Full text of "Letters and journals: Judge William Edmond, 1755-1838, Judge Holbrook Curtis, 1787-1858, Judge William Edmond Curtis, 1823-1880, William Edmond Curtis, 1855-1923, and Dr. Holbrook Curtis, 1856-1920."

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REYNOLDS H,cTOPICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 1833 0

205 310

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2018

https://archive.org/details/lettersjournalsjOOcurt

LETTERS and JOURNALS

E cL'rv'** O >\ !>L

Judge William Edmond

1755- 1838

Judge Holbrook Curtis

1787- 1858

Judge William Edmond Curtis

1823- 1880

William Edmond Curtis and Dr. Holbrook Curtis

1855-1923 1856-1920

N v. w r I* *

16^0669

Copyrighted 1926
Elizabeth Curtis
New York, N. Y.

TKt CAST. LOCKWOOD 6 BFAINAROCO
HARTFORD. COR K.

•» *

Introduction

In collecting these old letters, newspaper clippings and
fragments of family tradition, my first idea was to make a
sort of scrap book. The diversity of material, however,
seemed to need welding together in more interesting form,
so that I have tried to present a picture of life in old Con¬
necticut.

Following the trails which lead back into “ the forest
primeval,” we reach the first settlement of Hartford on the
Connecticut River.

The men who founded it broke away from Massachu¬
setts to avoid the incorporation of Church with State. This
fact and also the superior birth and education of the pioneers
may account for a more liberal atmosphere than is apparent
farther north in the “ land of the bean and the cod.”

On January 14th, 1639, a constitution was framed and
ratified which gave a representative form of government
to Hartford, Windsor and Wethersfield. It was named the
“ Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.” John Fiske says
that this was the first instance known to history in which
a commonwealth was founded bv a written document, that
it made no allusion to the Crown or to any source of
authority other than the three towns themselves, and that,
in 1786, at the suggestion of Oliver Ellsworth, Roger
Sherman and Samuel William Johnson, it was used as the
model for the Constitution of the United States.

When Governor Winthrop obtained the Connecticut
Charter from Charles II in 1662 it “ only secured to the
people what was already theirs.” Owing to the inclusion
of New Haven as a part of the State, Davenport’s rabid
Congregationalists (who, like those of Massachusetts,

Note: In fact, as late as 1818 admission to the Yale Medical School was
conditional upon baptism in the church.

. .

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j< .r;: to 'i: i > 1j it :orru i-Mi7! *'

granted the franchise only with church membership) armed
themselves and prepared to march upon Hartford. The
prospect of civil war was happily averted by the necessity
for uniting against the Indians, the Dutch and later the
English Governor of New York. When, in 1686, Andrus
went to Hartford to demand the surrender of their pre¬
cious charter, it was saved by Samuel Wadsworth, who
blew out the candles, seized the parchment as it lay upon
the table, and hid it in a hollow of “ Charter Oak.”

Hollister’s History gives an interesting picture of the
early settlers. One is apt to forget that the country was
literally a howling wilderness and that the problem of forc¬
ing a living from the land to men who were often untrained
to labor made a successful “ Planter ” the most important
person in a community. Until after the Revolution, edu¬
cation and farming fitted together, but I doubt if college
athletes of today swing a bat as well as their ancestors
could swing a gleaming scythe! The British feeling of
caste was shown by the use of Mr., esquire, and gentleman;
while the sons of governors and magistrates were often
addressed as “ Sir ” this or that. At Yale College front seats
were allotted according to social position and the Curtises
and Edmonds were among the elect even as late as 1820.

In 1639, the year of the creation of the Plartford Con¬
stitution, William and John Curtis, with their widowed
mother, Elizabeth, settled in Stratford. They came from
Warwickshire, and a paper with their coat of arms is pre¬
served by one of their descendants. From the original in
Heralds’ College, London, one sees that the names of
* William and John Curtis go back for many generations,
while the motto, “ Sapere Aude,” is most appropriate for
a family somewhat given to intellectual daring. “ Cap¬
tain William Curtis, Esquire,” held various positions of
trust: assistant, deputy, member of the “ Great High Com¬
mission ” and Captain of the forces of Fairfield County.
He was also mentioned for bravery by Governor Treat
and was one of a Committee delegated to select proper
sites for the towns of Derby, Fairfield and Stamford.

Among our other ancestors who ‘were fighting, law¬
making, and preaching at that time were: Richard Treat
from Barminster, who was magistrate, assistant, deputy
and a patentee of the Royal Charter. Edmund Sherman
and his son, Hon. Samuel Sherman, magistrate, “ assist¬
ant ” progenitor of many distinguished men, and who
boasted a line of royal descent. Governor Thomas Welles,
whose family were supposed to come from Raynes Hall,
Essex, and whose first wife’s name was Mary Hunt.
Richard Deming, whose daughter, Elizabeth married first
Nathaniel Foote, and second the already mentioned Thomas
Welles. It is always a satisfaction when we find a wife
who outlived several husbands, since in those hard times
the husbands usually wore out a number of wives and had a
dozen children by each! Another ancestress, May Black-
leach of Hartford, had three husbands, one of whom was
the Samuel Wadsworth who saved the Charter, but our line
is through Captain John Olcott. Dr. Jasper Gunn was
practising in Hartford at this time, one of the few doctors
among our fore-fathers.

There were also Richard Beach, John Birdseye, John
Peacock (queer names), Richard Booth, Esquire, and
‘‘Mr. Hawley”; Elder Brewster and Reverend Henry
Smith; John Hollister, who was excommunicated by Rev¬
erend Mr. Russell of Wethersfield, but whose brother-in-
law, Governor Treat, espoused his cause, and eventually
drove the parson out of his parish.

A picturesque character who came to Stratford at the
same time as William Curtis, and from whom we are
descended through two lines, was Francis Nichols, who,
as he had been in the Royal Guards, trained all the militia
of Fairfield County. Orcutt thinks he was an older brother
of the governor of New York and through his mother
descended from the Stuarts.

To be thoroughly New England, one must have a
witch in the background, and ours was Mary Baines who
in liberal-minded Hartford was convicted of witchcraft in
1662 and supposedly executed, since her husband remarried

the following year. Her daughter married John Scovill,
who came to this country from “ Whole Place,” Wessex,
about 1655. There seems to have been much intercourse
between the various settlements for they married wives from
Hartford, New Haven, Stratford, Norwich, etc. They must
have travelled by boat rather than horseback owing to
savage-infested forests and boggy trails.

At the time of the Revolution my great grandfather,
William Edmond, was an officer in the Continental Army,
as were my great grandmother Holbrook's brothers, but
my mother's grandparents, the Scovills and Davies, as well
as my great grandfather, Salmon Curtis, were Episcopal
Tories.

James Scovill, our great-great grandfather, who was
fourth in descent from the witch’s daughter, was the first
Episcopal minister in Waterbury and was ordained in West¬
minster in 1757. After the Revolution he took three ship¬
loads of sympathizers to Canada and founded the town of
Kingston, near St. John. Here is a letter he wrote, in 1766,
to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel which
shows his feeling for the Church of England: and empha¬
sizes the need for an American Bishop.

Waterbury July 8 1766

“ Rev. Sir —

There never was greater need of inculcating to the
best advantage the important doctrine of the Gospel as
taught in the Church of England, than at this day * * *
Scarce any individual belonging to the Church having
any share in the tumults and disorders raised by the Stamp
Duty; but their quiet behavior hath subjected them to the
odium of the dissenters, who are the governing part here
and have the authority in their hands; and what will be
the consequence of their enmity God only knows. * * * *
I humbly conceive nothing can be done more conducive
to the well-being of the Church in America, than the ap-

pointment of Bishops to reside here.’' * * * In 1761 he
writes “ My parishioners are now engaged in finishing the
galleries in our Church, which they have almost accom¬
plished etc.” It was in this Church that there was a painting
of himself followed by his nine Children opposite one of
Noah leaving the ark with his.

Rev. Thomas Davies son of John also writes from New
Milford 1765* * * “ there is such a fermentation in the
Country as though some mighty change were taking place ”
— he, however, died before the Revolution.

William Scovill, the grandson of Rev. James, married
Ruth Davies, daughter of Judge Thomas Davies of Ogdens-
burg, and the sister of Judge Henry E. Davies, Professor
Charles Davies, and General Thomas Davies of New York.
John Davies, who came to America in 1735, bought a large
tract of land near Litchfield, Connecticut, where he built
houses for all of his sons, including a church for his grandson
Thomas who was a clergyman. The property was con¬
fiscated during the Revolution, and the church moved to
Washington, while the family lied to Canada and later
crossed the border to Black Lake in northern New York.

John Davies, 2d, born in Kingston, Herefordshire, 1711,
was an Oxford graduate whose wife, Elizabeth Spencer,
when she first came over wrote back to friends in Eng¬
land that there were “ nothing but rattlesnakes and Presby¬
terians in Connecticut.” John Davies, the first, was the
son of Thomas Davies of London, said to be the fourth son
of Robert Davies of Gwysany Castle, near Mold, in Wales.
Robert showed the family characteristic of loyalty to the
established order by defending his house for King Charles
against Cromwell's army. Gwysany is a beautiful Tudor
structure standing in an extensive park with ruins of an
older building near by. The family is descended from
many interesting characters in history, the best, to my mind,
being Richard Coeur de Lion. What a comfort it is, for
an arrant coward, to know that a thousand years ago one
was a marvel of courage! At the present time it is in
possession of the Davies-Cookes, who refused to let me see

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it last summer because I had no letter of introduction!
Fortunately I had gone into the beautiful old hall to write
them a note and so had a chance to see the portraits, the
rose garden, yew trees, and the park with grazing sheep.

The third Connecticut Tory was Salmon Curtis, a
friend of John Beach, the well-known Episcopal minister
who was ducked in Newtown pond. Salmon Curtis had a
lieutenant’s commission in the King's army but never
fought, although according to tradition “ he was hunted like
a wild beast through the woods.” His courting of Esther
Holbrook, my great-grandmother, was done under difficul¬
ties. She was living at Oyster Bay, where the first settler,
John Holbrook, had bought land about 1648, before he
settled in Derby. Salmon Curtis often crossed the Sound
in his boat to see her, and one day a party of Continentals
arrived to search the house. Esther saw them approach¬
ing and quick as thought took her lover into the kitchen,
put him under a large wash tub, placed another on top, and
was very busy washing clothes when the soldiers entered.
She gave them permission to go over the house but regretted
that she was unable to accompany them. As soon as they
had left, Salmon started for the shore to reach his boat,
when to his horror, he saw the troopers returning. This
time he crawled under a culvert, and they galloped over
his head, after which he succeeded in making his escape.

In one of my grandfather’s letters he describes the
attitude of Captain John Holbrook, Esther’s father, who
had no use for the Tories, and whose two sons were captains
in Washington’s army. Salmon Curtis’ only son, Holbrook,
married Elizabeth Payne Edmond, the daughter of Judge
William Edmond of Newtown, who, with his father, Rob¬
ert Edmond, were ardent patriots. Robert was the son of
Scotch parents living in Londonderry and he came to
Connecticut in 1756.* He brought with him an exten¬
sive library for those days, many of the books still being
in our possession, and, although the tenth son of a clergy¬
man, was educated and somewhat scholarly. William
Edmond graduated from Yale in 1777. He married first

*See appendix.

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William Edmond

Elizabeth, daughter of General Chandler, who died about
1796, when he married Elizabeth Payne, daughter of Judge
Benjamin Payne of Hartford. We have some colonial
money signed by Benjamin Payne and here is a quaintly
worded resolution passed by the legislature after his death:

Hartford Connecticut
“ Friday, 25th Jaivy 1782 P.M.

The House in procession (with his Excellency the
Governor and Honorable Upper House, Secretary, etc.,
at their head) attend the funeral of Benjamin Payne, Esq.,
Representative of the Town of Hartford, who was seized
of a paralytic disorder last Monday morning, whereof
on Wednesday evening he expired. Whose exemplary and
useful life and conversation as an individual member of
the community and approved fidelity in discharge of the
important duties of the various public offices he sustained
in church and state, rendered him dear to his virtuous
acquaintance, and gave him a distinguished rank amongst
the eminent patrons of the liberties of America and morals
of mankind. Who though happy in a flourishing and re¬
spectable family, generously expended his benevolence
through various degrees of agreeable connections to the
human race at large, nor bounded his prospects of happi¬
ness by the narrow circle of the visible creation or the tran¬
sitory objects of time and sense.”

The best biography of William Edmond is the follow¬
ing obituary notice.

Connecticut Herald Tuesday Aug. u 1838

“ We learn (says the Herald of the 3d inst.) that the
Hon. William Edmond, formerly a Judge of the Superior
Court, died at his residence in Newtown on the 1st inst.
He was over 80 years of age. This brief paragraph is all
the obituary notice we have seen of the Hon. Wm. Ed¬
mond — of a statesman who has filled a large space in the

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councils of the State and Nation — of a Jurist who has been
eminently distinguished both at the Bar and on the Bench.
Where are his contemporaries in fame? Are there none left
to do some reverence to the memory of as pure-minded a
man as ever lived, now that he has gone the way of all the
earth? Alas! of his companions but few survive, and they,
perhaps, by reason of age and infirmities, forgetful of one
whom they once so much loved and respected. It is believed
Judge Edmond was over 85 years of age when he died. The
writer of this became acquainted with him after he had
advanced far towards what is ordinarily the end of life’s
journey, but possessing still a mind of unusual power, and
with all the vigor of youth. He was at this period dis¬
tinguished for superior intellectual attainments and for
great purity of character. None stood higher in the esti¬
mation of their fellow men, and none have gone down to
the grave leaving a more endearing memory behind him.”

‘‘Judge Edmond graduated at Yale College in 1777. He
afterwards came to the bar, and was an eminent practi¬
tioner in Fairfield County for many years. His name is
associated as contemporary with Edwards, Ingersoll, Ells¬
worth, Reeve, Swift, Smith, and other distinguished
Jurists of our State.”

“ In 1798 he was elected a Representative to Congress
from this State, the duties of which station he discharged
with high reputation to himself and with singular fidelity
to the interests of his constituents, many of whom still live
to speak gratefully of his unwearied exertions in their be¬
half and for the common welfare. He was often a repre¬
sentative of his town in the General Assembly, and was
a member at the session when the School Fund was orig¬
inated. He was also a member of the committee to whom
that subject was referred. One party, as is well known,
wanted the money supplied to the support of the clergy;
another wished it appropriated to common school educa¬
tion.”*

“ He was a strong Federalist and not a democrat in the

•Note. Judge Edmond secured the appropriation for the schools.

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political sense. It is to Mr. Edmond and other such demo¬
crats that we are indebted for the present school fund, and
not to the modern patent democracy, who have recently
claimed the merit as theirs. He was chosen by the people
in the year 1805 to the House of “Assistants,” a body of
talented men, being the “ upper house ” of the Legislative
body, and who also then constituted the Supreme Court in
this state. He continued in this station until he was trans¬
ferred to the bench in 1807, as a judge of the Supreme
Court, to which office he was annually appointed for a
period of 12 years in succession, and until the reorgani¬
zation of the Court under the present Constitution of this
State. (This was when the country went Democratic and
Jacksonian and he thought it was going to ruin.) In the
performance of his duties in this responsible situation, as
in all others. Judge Edmond was an eminent example of
unbending rectitude of mind. His associate Judges enter¬
tained towards him personally the highest esteem, and for
his judgment the highest respect. His written opinions
as published in our reports, are evidence of his being an
investigating lawyer and a sound judge.”

“ Nor should it be forgotten that the Hon. William
Edmond was a soldier of the Revolution. He was in the
battle at Fairfield (Kumpo) occasioned by the predatory
incursions of the British under Tryon, where he was severely
wounded in the knee, by a musket ball from the enemy.
Let the writer relate an occurrence after the wounded sol¬
dier had been carried home from the field of battle. The
authority for it was Judge Edmond himself some 25 years
since. His knee was badly shattered by an ounce ball,
and after some months had elapsed (nearly a year, if rightly
recollected) the wound instead of healing was daily grow¬
ing worse; it had at length become so dangerous as to call
for a consultation of surgeons. This consultation resulted
in their opinion that he must have his leg taken off above
the knee to save his life. This was announced to him:
“ No,” said he, “ If I must die I shall die whole.” The
faculty went to meeting (it was on Sunday) expecting to

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make the amputation on their return. The surgical instru¬
ments being left in his room, with the aid of a servant
he opened the saddle-bags, selected the tools and com¬
menced operating. He had studied anatomy on his bed
of sickness, and was already quite proficient in the science.
He made incisions to the bone with his own hand, (his
technical description of the operation is not remembered
but in substance) he cut lengthwise and crosswise — lat¬
erally and diagonally — laid bare the fracture — took out
a splintered bone — adjusted the knee-pan — removed the
diseased portions, cleansed the wound in all its parts —
replaced the flesh in its position, bandaged up his leg, and
then quietly waited the return of his medical advisors
from meeting. Upon examination of the patient and his
proceedings their surprise was as great as the operation was
successful. It is true he had a stiff knee through life, but
his limb was saved. Fortitude, industry, and persever¬
ance were his prominent characteristics both in public and
private life. His heart had ever been from his youth a
home for religion and virtue, and he has gone down in a
good old age to the place appointed for all living with the
highest honors/’ Judging by this notice newspapers were
no more condensed in style than the private letters of that
period.

In 1796 Federalism endorsed Washington’s adminis¬
tration which included the Jay treaty and Hamilton’s sound
financial policy. It upheld the Central Government,
against Jefferson and his followers who sympathized with
the French Revolution. It was not until after the War
of 1812 that the Federal party in Connecticut was forced
out of power and Grandfather Edmond and Holbrook
Curtis, his son-in-law, were always Federalists and Whigs.
In 1833 when 78 years old William Edmond wrote a long
and comprehensive letter about the national bank saying
what we now know to be true, that Duane had been made
a goat to save President Jackson's face, when he wished to
put the bank out of existence.

William Edmond’s daughter, Polly, who married Col.

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Starr, was his only child by Elizabeth Chandler. By
Elizabeth Payne he had first my grandmother who was
born in 1798; Sarah 1800, who married Dr. Booth; Wil¬
liam Payne, a lawyer, born 1802, who died in 1829; Ann,
1804, who remained single, and Robert 1805, a physician,
who married Maria Livingston Delaplaine, of Phila¬
delphia.

The letters to Polly were written w'hen she was at
school in Hartford and later when Judge Edmond was
in Congress in Philadelphia and Washington. If, instead
of giving so much good advice, he had described the
wonderful people then living, they would be of more gen¬
eral interest. The bits about the fashions, the mourning
worn for George Washington, and Mrs. Adams’ virtues are
the plums of the collection. Like Grandfather Curtis and
my own father, he left his wife at home busily having babies
and wrestling with domestic problems, while he dashed
about on Public business and incidentally had a good time.
The difficulty of getting servants, or men to do outdoor
work in the country, is evident from the very first, and fre¬
quently Grandfather Edmond congratulates my grand¬
mother upon finding both “ colored ” and “ Irish ” in
Watertown. That they had ideas of deportment and learn¬
ing, and that there was no lack of what we consider
“ society,” although they had little money and few luxuries,
one perceives from the following correspondence.

Newtown, June 4th 1794.

(Addressed to P. E. E. in her 10th year)

Miss Polly Edmond,

Hartford.

• The moment you break the seal of this letter, my dear
child, and read the name at the bottom, you will perceive
that your Papa has not forgotten his promise. He remem¬
bers his little daughter at Hartford — he reflects with a
pleasing concern on her situation and deeply interests his

\J194\

heart in her happiness — he fondly hopes that a little time
will reconcile her to absence for a few months from her
Mama, and that she will be too much a woman to repine
at her situation. Yes my dear, I know you will consider
that nothing but the most earnest desire to have you im¬
prove in whatever can make you worthy of love and esteem
could reconcile your parents to an hour’s absence. You
know I have told you a hundred times and written in your
little books almost as often, “ to be good is the way to be
happy ” — be good, my dear, be amiable, and you shall
be happy — happy as parents can make you. You will
often think of Newtown — let that remind you of the rea¬
sons for your absence from home, and let no moment be lost.

I need not tell you to respect Mrs. Caldwell and Mrs.
Church, Miss Payne and Miss Patten — everybody will
respect those that deserve it and I know you will love
them. It will be your duty and interest to respect them
— good manners require it from you, and let me beg of
you never to forget it. Be complaisant and obliging to
all — it is a tribute easily paid and they will reward you
with their love. I hope you have too much respect for
yourself to be a romp , and above all animals I hate a
tattler. Let your secrets (if you have any) be sacred to
the bosom of friendship — Maria is your friend, you may
trust her, she loves you and will pardon little faults — if
you conduct as you ought to do, I shall certainly know it,
and it will give me pleasure. I shall see all your behaviour
in my magic looking-glass as plain as I used to discover
what you had been doing by your eyes — this magic glass
is fastened to a little Bell that rattles terribly whenever
you sit crooked, laugh loud, look sullen, behave rudely, for¬
get your courtesy, and the like. Whenever you forget
yourself (but I hope you never will) you must think what
a rout there is in my study.

Your Mama will write to you about your mates —
you must write to her and me as often as you can — Mrs.
Winthrop will tell you all the news. The present of

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oranges you desired me to bring home I forgot in my hurry.
I told them your request and they are much obliged to
you. I have promised Miss Betsey Perry to make her
amends at another time. Miss Flora's mother continues in
a poor state of health, and I believe she will not come to
Hartford. Be so kind as to present my best respects to
Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. & Mr. Church, Miss Payne & Miss
Patten. I hope you are in health, be careful to preserve it

— behave as well as you can, & you will have the best
wishes of your Parents and Friends.

William Edmond.

In the time between these letters His first wife died and
he married Elizabeth Payne Feb. 14th, 1796.

Hartford May 15th 1796.

To Miss Polly Edmond,

Newtown.

My dear Polly.

Your Mama and myself are both at the place of date
in the full enjoyment of health, and only want to know
you are partaker of the same privilege to make us com¬
pletely happy. I was extremely sorry to leave you behind

— your company here would have been very agreeable, but
when I reflect on the dangers you have escaped (as the
measles are here and all along upon the road) and the
very little pleasure election affords, I believe you acted
wisely in consenting to stay where you are — for as it
happened the rain has rendered the road as muddy as you
ever saw it, and the poor deputies in their procession to
the meeting house were forced to hobble along in the mire,
very few ladies attended the service — there was nothing
brilliant in the business — the music was solemn, and every¬
thing dull as you can possibly conceive, so that you have
very little to regret in not being present.

I have not yet seen Mrs. Church but learn that Mr.
Church has not yet arrived from his voyage. The time

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before we return I know will seem long to you; I hope
however if the school begins tomorrow, as was expected,
you will find your time as agreeably spent, and I am sure
much more profitably for yourself, then you could have
spent it possibly, amidst the noise, the tumult, and the
smoke of the City.

You will not omit any opportunity to improve your¬
self in singing — it is certainly an accomplishment, and
perhaps you may not have another so good opportunity. A
respect for your character which a young girl ought to
prize as of infinite value, will preserve you from rambling
if you reason on the subject, and a regard for your health
(especially as your constitution is feeble) makes a steady
regular behaviour of very great importance. A good report
of your conduct on my return would increase both my
affection and esteem. I cannot persuade myself you will
forget for a moment to treat Mrs. Lott with kindness and
respect and listen to her advice. Removed from all your
relations, you have now an opportunity to act like a woman
of sense and to show yourself superior to that little whin-
ning uneasiness that too often sets little girls sobbing when
they are out of sight of their parents, and cannot hold by
the apron string any longer. My happiness on my return
will much depend on the account given of your behaviour
— we talk of you daily and shall rejoice to meet you. I
shall write to you every opportunity I have and you must
not omit to write to me by the post on Saturday as I told
you. You must direct your letter to me as follows:

William Edmond, Esq.,

Member of Assembly at Hartford

When your letter is completed Mr. Mathew Curtis will
be kind enough to give it to the post if you deliver it to
him in season.

My compliments to Mrs. Lott and all friends — adieu
my dear child, be a good girl & Heaven will bless you.

— William Edmond.

P. S. Your Mama sends her love to you.

ora oi om! iuoy mii/j nucn uoY

■

[>797]

Newtown, July 29th A. D. 1797

Dear Polly

We received yours by the Post and were happy to hear
you enjoyed your health, should have written in return
but was absent when the Post passed through town. You
make no mention of the six dollars I sent to you, of course
suppose you had not received my last letter at the time
you wrote yours, which by the by, you omitted to date.
You mention our coming to Hartford. It is true we had
flattered ourselves with the prospect, but a variety of causes
have prevented us hitherto, and I begin to think will pre¬
vent us altogether. Among other things we have par¬
ticularly to regret your Mama’s want of health. She has
been quite ill for about ten days past, but at present is
somewhat better. Riding appears to fatigue her extremely
and I am apprehensive a journey to Hartford in this hot
season would be more than her present state of health would
with safety endure.* I have been almost tempted on account
of your Mama’s health to recall you from school, but were
both loth to deprive you of the advantages you possess for
improvement. Hope your attention to your studies and to
your own interest will repay us for submitting to the in¬
convenience arising from your absence.

I expect to be absent at New Milford next week — at
Danbury at Court the week following. In the hurry of
business perhaps I shall not write but you must on no ac¬
count fail to write to your Mama. It is what she has a
right to expect from a daughter, and may afford her some
little amusement in my absence. Your account of the 4th
of July was pleasing. It is a day never to be forgotten by
Americans, not merely to be remembered as a day of fes¬
tivity, but a day that should call to our minds the grati¬
tude we owe to the Author of all good, who enabled
America to tear herself off from the British Government
(of which we were before a colony) and by that means
escape being embroiled in that affecting scene of blood

‘According to another letter they drove in a “ chaise.”

j - y, / tj : , ' [ fi rr ] r v ( *

f “

1/7971

and slaughter which for years past has disgraced Europe,
and been the painful source of many a heartfelt sigh.*
When you are older and begin to read history you will
doubtless have a curiosity to attend to this subject. We
expected you would have furnished 11s with further speci¬
mens of your drawing. It is a fine art and worthy a very
particular attention. To imitate nature in her diversified
production is next to possessing a creative power. A
Mistress in this art with the help of a lively imagination
added to a little industrv, and a few colors, may soon create
a little wilderness of her own, and exhibit the beauties
of May in the cold of December. Your dancing too I
wish you not to omit. It is an exercise both healthy and
innocent when reasonably conducted. Mr. Griffith ex¬
hibited his Ball on Thursday evening at Doctor Perry’s.
I received a card and had the curiosity to attend. You
would be surprised to see the improvement your little com¬
panions have made for so short a time not only in Dancing
but particularly in politeness and good manners. There
is no giggling, no romping, no rudeness, no coarse laugh.
You would certainly have been delighted, if you have any
taste for propriety, at the ease and decency with which
every one conducted (except a few instances of crooked
shoulders and stiff elbows which always happen in large
collations). We had several country Dances &c. Miss
Charlotte Booth and the Master gave us a Minuet — she
is a fine girl — dances well — behaves prettily, and her
modesty and good sense secure to her the affection and
esteem of all of her acquaintances. Sally dances well, is
very gay, but I do not so often hear her praised. The
little Misses Julia Perry, Sukey Booth &c bid fair to rival
several that are much older than they. The young Masters
too deserved commendation, but 1 cannot speak of them
all. When you return you may possibly, if a good girl,
witness their improvement yourself. You will do your-

* Note. The French Revolution which the Federalists disapproved and
Jefferson extolled.

ir P mu'mi ahull & oi b>bbK

i ni roimfl* I'jrf 01 oiuooi oenot boog bria yjg:>born
o 1 .b^imq i wi nallo o?. Ion or 1 lud fyfi£ yiav

1 >79-?]

self the justice I hope to show the highest respect for the
lady of the house where you reside and the Ladies who
have the Care of your education. You will present my
respects to them — to Mr. Church — Mr. Hopkins and
friends. Mrs. Edmond unites hers also. Adieu, be a good
girl & Heaven will bless you. Yours Affectionately.

William Edmond.

P.S. Mr. Jonathan Booth and family are well.

(Excerpt) Philadelphia June 1 8th A D 1798

Believing as I do that you need the articles you men¬
tion, and hoping from your behaviour you deserve them,
it would be a pleasing task to me to supply them; the
shoes I can easily furnish & the shawl if I knew what kind
of a shawl you would choose — but with respect l to a
bonnet the question arises how is it to be carried, to put
it in a trunk is the only possible mode of conveyance &
to press it so close as to prevent the clothes in the trunk
from fretting must be fatal to it. Indeed write me
how it is to be done. I think you must not count much
on my bringing one. By the by, I do not recollect to
have seen any pink, but thousands of almost every other
color and striped & chequered as well as plain & I cannot
say but in all the fashions that have been in use since the
flood, or since bonnets were in fashion. If I should at¬
tempt therefore to bring one, you must hazard the chance
of a man over forty happening to jump in judgment &
taste with a Miss of thirteen; that there are handsome
ones here (in my opinion) is unquestionable, but to say
which of them is in fashion at this time would puzzle a
wiser man than myself.

I hope you will write to me next Monday for I sup¬
pose you will get this on Saturday, and tell me how you
all are as to health, very particularly whether your Uncle
Cyrus has been to see you about moving — how your

oj gnimqqsri yfroi iv/o nsrn s lo

abiiU iuo\ n xhciuDinn q yiov trfilcori oj rut Ufi

U/99]

Uncle John's wife is, whether she has recovered her health
— and particularly as to the health of Mrs. Mary Ann
Nichols, if recovered or not. I heard yesterday that her
husband was very lately in good health. You will also
give me any other information you may have. Tell your
Mamma she must look for me by the middle of July or
sooner if the affairs of the Union will permit. I enclose
you a Newspaper by which our friends will discover that
an act has passed to put a stop to any intercourse with the
French. I have written so many and so long letters for
your last weeks entertainment; you must tell Maria to
forgive my not writing to her at present. Give my love to
your Mamma and sister and to friends.

W E.

N.B. David was well last Friday he tells me by a line of
that date.

Philadelphia Feb’y 17th AD 1799

Dear Polly

Your favor of the 10th instant was duly received on
Friday. I shall not undertake to settle the question of
laziness between you and Uncle David before my return,
perhaps it would be safest for you both to settle that matter
between you, and agree not to expose one another. You
say that what you have spun in four days if made into
cloth would make four yards of Diaper, if you proceed at
that rate I think I shall have a most enormous bill to pay
to the Weaver. I am glad notwithstanding you have begun
the business, every woman not born to an independent For¬
tune ought to know how to spin & every other branch of
business that is done in a family. Without this kind of
knowledge, she never will be able to discharge in a graceful
manner the office of a Mistress of a family, her servants if
she have any will much despise and ridicule her for her
ignorance. She will fall into contempt with her own house-

‘jbnu Jon Iljsda I

)n om Yc rn e avu! i [ Jnirfo 1 s!r>i Jfixil

S ; rtourn Hi// m& ov«d rh

\J199\

hold 6c have the mortification to find her order perpetually
contradicted or disobeyed, on the other hand if humble
poverty should be her lot and that is a lot to which every
one is exposed from a thousand accidents, how wretched
would be her situation “ to labor and to spin she knows
not and to beg she is ashamed. ” How many thousands in the
world who have been brought up with tenderness in
affluence and ease, who considered themselves as “ lillies
of the vale not subject to toil or to spin ” who on a reverse
of fortune, have been forced to earn their bread by the
sweat of their brows, and have exclaimed in the bitterness
of tears — Oh ! That my Parents had taught me when young
to labor, that my hands might now in the hour of mis¬
fortune contribute to my necessities.

As a necessary part of female education therefore I con¬
sider the art of the Distaff the buzzing wheel 6c the tory
reel together with the noble science of Pancake and cus¬
tards. A lady delicately brought up 6c every way accom¬
plished except in the science of household concerns, if she
ever happens to be reduced, will find more malice than pity
with the illiterate 6c vulgar. The language of ill nature 6c
of envy is this “ She is no better flesh and blood than 1.”
“ She may work as well as I." “ She will now find what

it is to work as well as other poor folks. ” “ She will find

something else to do besides priming before the glass. Let
her sell her muslins 6c moraus, worse things are good enough
for her 6cc 6cc.” And the moment she turns her back these
ill-natured wretches will spoot out the tongue & point the
finger of scorn. These things I have seen in my day
and from my experience of the wickedness of the un¬
thinking multitude I wish my daughter so to be edu¬
cated, that with the learned she may be respected as a
scholar, with the Polite, that she need not blush for her
awkwardness with the Industrious, that she may be re¬
spected as useful in society, 6c with the illiterate and vulgar
she may command their respect — with such accomplish¬
ments I would wish to see her mild in her manners, tender

;.,•!$ j: $ ouyaoi oiii luo oq? Uivj m inters/ boiulKn-iu

->ru orb lo e'djr b‘j;b // :>ri3 lo nonoiioqxo vrn moil bns

iori ioI deuld ton boon o tlz isrb toiifo4 orb rifiw ,TtI<xbt

I \W9\

to the unfortunate, modest & unassuming with her equals,
condescending to such as feel themselves depressed, ever
ready to allow to merit its just value and scrupulously
abstaining from censure & especially towards those of her
own sex.

I expect when you read this you will consider it a little
like an old story or a dull sermon, that Papa is always
preaching how he would have me behave. But remember
my Dear your future happiness and worth can alone be his
object; that while he wishes to see you virtuous, amiable
and worthy he has not a wish to abridge you of the inno¬
cent amusements suited to the natural sprightliness of your
age. Every thing I have recommended is perfectly con¬
sistent with a lively and cheerful disposition and can be
no restraint to any degree of social vivacity within the
limits of innocent indulgence — should it appear otherwise
to you, look up the pages in your trunk and read them to
Betsey hereafter when she is fourteen.

Your Father

W.E.

Philadelphia, Feb’y 23rd 1799

My dear Daughter

Your favor of the 17th of February came safe to hand
the 22d for which you have the thanks of a Father that
loves you. Your Uncle David was right in his observa¬
tion that “ excuses were wholly inadmissable with me ”
unless indeed they are of such a nature as to prove the
neglect or failure unavoidable , and, even then they are un¬
necessary for two reasons, the one is that it is enough to be
troubled with our own disappointments and perplexities,
without being obliged to hear a long & pitiful tale about
the hurries, perplexities & disappointments of others. The
other reason is that where a true and genuine Friendship
subsists, it is always presupposed, that the party never will
forget what is due to Friendship or ever be guilty of any

2 4-

.uov esvoi

-nu 3T/i ysdl s )t ; ima {b ,^ruoirtaM vniVia\ *xo

[/c u.'.t ?A »' O ■ , '(10* i I y/n l&l n& - Tin

0799]

neglects except such as arise from inevitable necessity. To
begin to apologize therefor is always a confession of a
u'rong or a jealousy, neither of which should ever be
suffered to exist between real friends, for these reasons,
My Dear, and because I wish that my Daughter should
never do, or omit to do anything that would implicate
blame or need an apology. I never am fond of excuses
or apoligies. Suppose you had said David was in pur¬
suit of the ladies & you had a poor pen — the reply
naturally would be, was there no other penknife in the
neighborhood but his? Had not your Papa credit enough
at the stores to furnish one? Or have you not skill enough
to make one for yourself? After all your excuses then you
see (if you had attempted any) you might not only have
failed in your defence, but subjected yourself to the im¬
putation of want of candor, a crime of which I hope my
Daughter never will be guilty towards any person breath¬
ing, much less toward her Parents.

I regret most sincerely that your little sister* is unwell.
I hope it may be nothing more than a cold, even that seems
too much for such a little innocent creature that never
thought of any harm in her life. I am sure you will pity
her, and do every thing in your power to render her com¬
fortable & happy as possible. I am not anxious to have
her go alone at my return or indeed before the weather
grows warm. Such little creatures are so much exposed
when they first begin to totter about, from the five and a
thousand other accidents that it is scarcely to be wishes
that they should walk before they begin to have some little
reason to govern themselves. Give my love to her in a
sisterly & affectionate manner & kiss her for me.

The wood you received by the hand of your cousin
David must be a source of consolation, if you have a winter
as severe as it is here, for myself I never spent a more un¬
comfortable one in my life, there is scarce a clear sunshiny
day in a week upon an average and you know how dull

•Elizabeth Edmond.

uov io bnsrt *>r!) yd bsvmcn uoy boow 3il i

U7QQ]

weather affects me. What with a headache and face-
ache I am under affliction almost half of my time, but I
flatter myself with a release from this city in a short time
6c the prospect of better days.

I shall be able to account for the failure of a certain
letter on my return, neither of you have guessed the reason
of its failure. The prosperous state of Mr. Horton’s family
I hear with pleasure. So many children if they live to¬
gether in unity as brothers and sisters ought to live, may
be a source of happiness & comfort to each other, when
the parents that now watch over them with the envy of
affection, and tender care, are removed to a world of sil¬
ence and everlasting repose.

• Four davs I think will be rather a short allowance for
*

a 200 miles march in the beginning of March, when the
roads in all probability will be horrid indeed. If however
I could travel with a rapidity equal to my wishes I should
not loiter for one night on the road, but 1 must stand in my
lot 6c take a chance with my neighbors. We have already
taken a stage to prevent disappointment, will have our
tools packed & be ready to start when our service is ex¬
pired without beat of drum. 1 have almost finished this
little sheet & shall not probably write you again from this
place before my return.

That you may be in all respects a good girl, enjoy the
protection of the Father of the Universe, and the affection
of those who set a value on virtue is the wish of a parent's
heart. Give my love to your Mamma 6c to David. Assure
them of my perfect consideration 6c esteem. Your affec¬
tionate Father

Wm Edmond

Saturday Feb’y 23rd 1799.

Philadelphia Deer 7th 1799

Dear Polly

This comes to you as the slight evidence of the affection
of a parent who wishes you happiness and future pros-

■

iDfftfitf ^fsnoif

1/700]

perity. He hopes you will not think it unreasonable or
improper, that he should require of you submission to his
pleasure for a few short months, after he has submitted to
the indulgence of most of your humors for so many years,
during which time he has clothed, schooled <5c supported
you. What he wishes is. simply this, that you would adopt
such a line of conduct as is best calculated to establish such
a kind of character as your reason teaches you would be
most desirable to sustain, for you are now old enough to
have some kind of a character of your own, <5c if you do
not take some pains so to conduct, as to establish a char¬
acter yourself, the world will give one, whether you will
or not, and very probably such a one as you may by no

means like. Under fourteen the foolish speeches and in-

▲

considerate actions of a girl are in a manner overlooked
& forgiven as proceeding from a thoughtless and playful
disposition common to children of that age. But after
fourteen the same actions which before that age would be
pardoned as childish levities will then be censured as
downright nonsense & folly, and charged directly to the
score of a want of understanding, or in other words what
might be allowed to be pretty in the child, will be justly
esteemed silly in the woman, and it is the character of a
woman of some sort you are now to sustain. There are
some qualities annexed to the word woman, which are
merely accidental and have nothing to do in reality with
character, in the sense in which I am now speaking of it,
such as a rich or a poor woman, a handsome or a hard
favored woman & the like but there are certain general
Epithets which go the whole length of a character. Such
as a virtuous woman, an amiable woman, a vicious woman,
an odious woman, which have no dependence on riches or
poverty & but very little on personal beauty or deformity.
Every woman must be ranked under one or the other of
two heads. She will be considered as Virtuous or Vicious
or Amiable or Odious in proportion as her conduct ap¬
proaches the one or the other of these opposite characters.

2 7

.151, ; i i a to J; nsl H// Jiii 0'r t »idw arrbiqLl
now uobw jb vtt&ttto ,? Ofi ,iuvmcw iviomWVt js ?b

['799]

And the English language furnishes a great variety of
words, or epithets, calculated to express the degrees, by
which a woman rises to the full and complete characters
above mentioned. If I had time I would give you a scale
by which a woman is considered as ascending to virtue and
amiableness or descending to vice and infamy — as this

A thoughtless
Careless
Nasty
Lazy

^slut

An Unsteady
A rude
Bold
Noisy
Silly

Debauched

hg‘rl

An Infamous
An Idle
A gossiping
A Tatling

An Immodest r woman

An Imprudent
An Unchaste
A Scolding
A vicious

Or this

A careful

prudent

steady

an Industrious
Neat

Discreet rWoman

an elegant
an accomplished
Virtuous
Kind
Amiable

All these you will perceive are qualities independent of
rich cloathing or a pretty face. All the qualities named
on the right may stick to a woman possessing both riches
and regular features, while an unfortunate complexion
may render itself entitled to the character on the left. You
will be able my Dear I hope to improve upon these few
hints, and after fully considering the subject I want you to
send me an exact catalogue of all the epithets you would

3 Sin

flftmow

jo tnsbmqabfli eoiiilj n.> ais ayixiiaq II ivA uo^ -jiDti) HA

[>799]

wish to have your friends apply to you when they are settling
the state of your Character, and also a particular statement of
such part of your conduct since I left home, as you sup¬
pose will be good evidence in support of your deserving
the epithets you shall chuse and such part of your conduct
as may be improved by your enemies to fix upon you the
odious character. B)' so doing you will turn your atten¬
tion to a subject interesting , very interesting to yourself and
add to the pleasure of a parent that is sincerely desirous to
see you amiable & to render you rationally happy.

W.E.

Kiss your little sister for me and be kind to her for my
sake. She may live to reward your kindness & one day be
your nearest & your dearest & your best friend.

(Excerpts) Philadelphia Deer 23rd A.D. ’99

My Dear Daughter

I approve of your conduct in answer to the invitation
you had, not that I at all approve of an unforgiving dis¬
position, or would be over punctilious where there was an
apparent return to decency, but respect to ourselves and
our character ought to be such as to teach others that we
are not to be the sport of their whim & caprice and that
friendship is too sacred a name to be violated upon every
ill founded jealousy.

I have written to David to be an Orator if he can, tell
him if he undertakes it not to disgrace the subject. Elis
language must be pure and chaste as the private character ,
sound as the policy & energetic as the sword of the citizen,
the Statesman and the Elero whose eulogium he speaks.

Congress have passed a Resolution to erect a Marble
monument to the Memory of Gen’l Washington at the
Federal City — to request his Lady and family to permit
his body to be removed there & be buried under it — to
wear mourning the remainder of the Session themselves —

1 >709]

to dress all the ornaments in the Hall & hang the windows
in black curtains — to appoint an Orator to deliver a
Eulogium on Thursday this week, to walk in procession
on that Day to the Church where it is to be delivered and
also recommending to the president to recommend to the
Citizens to wear a badge of mourning for thirty days 6cc
&c — The ladies in the City have already many of them
adopted trimmings recommended by the Queen — I would
describe it if I could. Suppose the dress White, a black
ribbon an inch & half wide to go round the body drawn
tight a little below the swell of the breasts, another of the
same width, to begin at the middle of the ribbon making
an angle on the centre of the back just over the fold of the
gown, where the ribbon that passes round the body passes
under the folds, then carrying each end of the ribbon one
over the right and the other over the left shoulder — bring
the ends down on the side they pass over the shoulder till
they meet the ribbon that goes round the body; or in other
words fasten the last described ribbon by the middle on
the centre of the back as low as where the other comes
round & so as to make a corner, then carry one end over the
right shoulder & down on the same side back of the breast
to the other ribbon & so of the left so as to have
the appearance of confining the arms back, on the
bosom a bow of 12 ends of narrow black ribbon about half
inch wide- — the cap a high crown made round with fold¬
ings from the border to the top on every side about 5 or 6
inches high, drawn with a cord at theTorder and no rib¬
bon round the head between the crown and the border, a
bow in front, on the top, and behind of black like the one
on the bosom. This is one form only of a thousand, and
there is no certain fashion, in this case the hair was down
on the forhead like a child & below the cap border (The
remaining lines of this letter are lost).

[iSoo']

(This letter is to my great grandmother Elizabeth Payne Edmond.)

(Excerpts) Philadelphia Jan’y 7th AD 1800

Dear Elizabeth

The care of a woman that has children is certainly great
and she that performs the task well deserves honor here
and Immortality hereafter. Would children only know a
Parents care it would seem as if they never would be guilty
of subterfuge but confidence and plain dealing, my dear,
are the most substantial evidences of genuine affection,
sincere esteem and perfect love, though as you know I have
never boasted much of either, but it is but justice to myself
to say that in absenting myself because I believe duty and
the good of my family require it, I do violence to the warm¬
est wishes of my heart — that is if the happiness of my family
was not dearer to me than my own ease, or my own pleasure,
a few days would finish our separation — I shall not have
an opportunity this post to forward what you requested if
practicable you will know by the next. I perceive that
matrimony is still in fashion among you. Joy to them that
win. Give my love to those you know I esteem & be
assured of my unceasing regard. Yours as ever — WE.

(excerpts) Philadelphia February 6th A D 1800

My dear Polly

A few days since I cast my eye upon an entertaining
little story of a certain marble head, invented for the pur¬
pose of amusing the proprietor at the expense of the ignor¬
ant and the credulous. This Head by the management
of the owner, was reputed to have the power of answering,
with a distinct and audible voice, to every question that
was put to it, without entering into a description of the
manner in which the deception was practiced. I will
only notice at this time, two questions that were put to
this Head, the one by a single, and the other by a married

■ ic ii i odi lo aEnaqza aril ir icrtahqoiq art) ^nisurnc \o aeoq

[i8oo]

Lady, together with their respective answers. The first
fair enquirer, led by what was uppermost in her own mind,
and which no doubt stands foremost in the thoughts of
many a pretty & many a giddy girl asked the Head “ What
she should do to be extremely beautiful? ” received for
answer “ Be extremely virtuous.” Satisfied with the answer
she retired. The Matron then came forward, and very
gravely enquired whether “ her Husband loved her? ” to
which the Head replied, you will “ find your answer by
observing his behaviour.” These questions to be sure, do
not appear to be the wisest in the world, but I submit it
to your own understanding whether there is not something
worthy of observation in the answers. The first answer is a
prescription which embraced a great variety of particulars,
and which ought to be sought with industry preserved with
care and found in the possession of every lady whatever
may be her age, rank or condition in life. It is a prescrip¬
tion suited to every shape, every complexion and every
countenance.

With respect to the other answer as I cannot suppose
you yet very anxious about the love of your husband, I
would at present make no comments any further than to
observe that the sentiments and value of a heart never fail
to discover themselves more or less by the behaviour of the
person; and if so propriety of deportment is essential to a
good reputation. I dined last Thursday with the Presi¬
dent and his Lady. Mrs. Adams is certainly a respectable
woman, had you seen with what ease, dignity and propriety
she presided at her own table, surrounded by about thirty
gentlemen, you would have needed no arguments to per¬
suade you of the value of such accomplishment and to be
able to perform this office handsomely how much it adds
to the respectability of a ladies character. To describe to
you the fashions would be as impracticable as to reduce
chaos to order, they are as changeable as a little girl’s wishes,
constant in nothing but inconstancy, the leading features
of the ton seem to be drawn caps with lace borders, that

■'

fieri] mlnui vnu sJirsKunoo on 3/iern Jnsesiq )fi bluow

[iSoo]

sit as close to the head as the bark to a tree, black velvet
bonnets trimmed with furs of the same dimensions with
the cap and front piece as wide as two fingers. This is
ornamented with feathers. The want of sides is supplied
by large black or white veils <Scc. Kiss little Betsy, my love
to your ma, & be a good girl W E

Philadelphia March 24th A.

As I seldom visit farther than Congress Hall I should
fail if I attempted to give you an account of the fashions,
and indeed if I could it would be of very little use unless
I could send a Miss and materials to put you in the ton,
and even then I may much doubt if it would be considered
as a kindness. Some of our ladies that lived in a famous
age have been ridiculed by sartorial epithets for the enor¬
mous extent of their hoops. The Moderns seem to have
fallen into a contrary extreme, the white dimities and mus¬
lins stick as tight about the heels as the nature of the case
will admit, panniers or pockets are utterly denounced, the
head is loaded with curls, close caps favor and feathers and
enveloped in a slimsy vail, while the forlorn bosom is ab¬
solutely left exposed to the weather, without even a blush
to shield it from profanation, and the same consequence
seems to result in this case as in others, when a thing goes
out of fashion, the art is almost lost, when Modesty is
banished the blush takes its leave of the fair cheek, our
Moderns therefore are desirous to substitute paint for those
roses which nature denies them, for those games which in¬
variably accompany modesty and simple neatness. The
painting and the display of such Belles are often arranged
in magnificent order, and the Men look at them with the
same kind of curiosity and with as little real affection or
esteem as they would view the brilliant trinkets in any
shop or portraits of any other monster in nature. Men of
sense or women of sense are not captivated with a pretty

[ i8oo]

cap, a handsome bonnet, an elegant silk dress, a spun coat,
a Macaroni hat, or a handsome walking stick, they look for
other more useful, more durable, more endearing accom¬
plishments, such as wealth cannot purchase, nor poverty
take from them.

If a shoe pleased the taste, a cap delighted the fancy, or
any other could excite solid admiration, a visit to the neigh¬
boring shops in a city would afford full gratification with¬
out the presence of the Belle or the Beau. In one shop we
see brilliants and beads and buckles and diamonds and plate
and fine swords without number — in another silks & satins
without measure, in a third caps and shawls and bonnets
innumerable, and in as many colors, shapes and fancies as
would puzzle the whim of the most capricious for a choice
and so of many other articles of dress. If one woman owned
them all, it might purchase flattery, and command servants,
but without some other charm, some more valuable requi¬
sites she could (neither gain nor retain if gained, either
real love or solid esteem,) so incompetent are wealth and
ornaments to secure the Empire of the heart or gain us
one substantial friend. Who then that is wise would sigh
for such baubles? and how contemptible those who give
themselves airs merely because they happen to possess them.
You will wonder perhaps “ why Pa writes all this to me.”
I will tell you my dear, Because every Man and Woman
that Makes a just estimate of Riches and ornaments will
positively be both better and happier for it, such an esti¬
mate would perfectly cure the wealthy of Pride and Vanity
merely because they possess riches, and teach them a due
respect to the Poor, who happen to be their Superiors in
Mental Talents, virtues and amiable Persoal accomplish¬
ments, on the other hand such an estimate would cure
the Poor of a Foolish hankering for glittering baubles they
can never obtain, and leave them to procure objects more
durable, valuable and satisfactory. It would also guard
them against the meanness of descending from the dignity
of their own wisdom to flatter the Vanity or be subservient

icnDqucS ibrh OJ naqqfirt onv/ /toon Dm oJ JosqaDi

[i8oo]

to the vices or follies of those who have no other preten¬
sions to superiority but their wealth, in short such an esti¬
mate that after a pure conscience and reverence to our
Maker is the first great step to the threshold of Content¬
ment and happiness, and I would take my children by the
hand and help them to ascend it in their early days, I will
now close this long letter, and leave the remainder of this
little sheet for vou to fill out with such observations as

may occur to yourself and strike you most forceably in the
perusal of it.

Kiss the dear little Eliza (Grandma) for me, be to her
a good sister, give my love to your Ma, be kind and atten¬
tive to her and be assured of the affections of a Father

16?0f>69

Wm Edmond

Washington Nov 27th AD 1800

Dear Polly

Immediately after closing my letters of this morning
to your Mother The House formed a procession with the
Speaker at their head in thirteen Coaches & Flacks attended
by a number of Gentlemen on Horseback 6c proceeded to
the Presidents house which is about one and a half miles
from the Capitol, when Mr Speaker delivered the address
in Answer to the Presidents speech and received his an¬
swer, — after a glass of wine 6c a bit of cake with the Presi¬
dent we returned in the same order of procession back to
the Capitol to proceed to business — this is the first time
I have been at the Presidents house, and I would attempt
to give you a description but I have no words, that would
give you any tolerable idea of this superb Edifice, and if
I had the narrative would rather have the appearance of a
romantic tale conceived by an ardent 6c vivid imagination
than a simple relation of facts, I shall therefore reserve
the subject to some future evening when Providence may
place me in the midst of my family 6c surround me with

■'* : ' eawsat

|j f -r'' ' • I'* . > 5 ■ •' j ;

[/<?00]

the objects I hold most dear to my heart, a situation which
to my mind has infinitely more charms than all the splen¬
dour and parade the world can exhibit.

I should rejoice with you to spend the evening of this
day in Connecticut and partake of the innocent recrea¬
tions customary on such a day — I hope you will not there
be unmindful of the gratitude we owe to our Maker for
his continual care over us and who u openeth his hand and
supplieth the wants of every living creature.” You will
not I trust even at your age be altogether thoughtless while
in pursuit of innocent recreation yourself, of the claim your
Mother and Sisters have on your company, your kindness
and attention, in my absence and will no doubt remember
how much more noble & even delightful it is to a mind
susceptible of tenderness cv benevolence to communicate
pleasure to others, than to be forever occupied in a narrow
& selfish attention to our own pleasures and amusements.
I hope you will exert yourself this winter to make home
the habitation where innocence and peace are united; a
mansion where content and happiness shall delight to dwell,
and in so doing you cannot fail deeply to interest yourself
in the best wishes of a father. Give my love to David if
he is still with you. Betsy & Sally in your bosom, forget
not that they are children, helpless, dependent — they may
one day be able to return your tender offices, should they
never, you will not fail of the supreme delight which arises
from doing good. May Heaven bless you all, preserve
your health, guard & guide you in the way you should go
is the prayer of your affectionate father

Wm. Edmond

Give my Respects to Betsy Adams and to Friends — I
expect Jenny is a very good girl; if I hear she is I will
enquire for her sister.

(Jan. 7 ioth-iSoi Omitted — )

[iSoi ]

(The first of this is omitted as it is another long dissertation.)

Washington January 24th 1801

Dear Polly .

But I will pass lightly over a subject so unpleasant as
to suppose any young lady who regarded her reputation
would suffer herself to fall under such a reproach. These
observations you may find elsewhere but here they come
recommended by the affection of a parent who wishes you
to become all that is amiable — the ladies who visit at the
Hall are much more beautiful than any I saw at Phila¬
delphia, nature alone and not wash has painted their roses
and their dress combines neatness, simplicity & elegance.
Among the rest a certain Mrs Mason is considered a para¬
gon of beauty and to this transitory charm is said to have
united that easy elegance and suavity of manners which
joined to a polished and improved understanding is cal¬
culated to secure the admiration she at first sight inspires,
her husband however who is a Man of great fortune is
rather a proof of her judgment than her taste & had he
been a prudent man in my opinion would have tarried
with her at home, the attentions of the beau Monde which
she cannot fail to attract may lead her to make compari¬
sons which can neither be to his advantage or her repose.
Be true My dear to yourself, careful of your reputation,
kind to your little sisters and Mama & you cannot fail
of the love and esteem of a father and a friend

W Edmond

Washington Feb’y 22d Ad 1801

Miss P. Edmond

I received your favor of the 4th of Feby instant giv¬
ing an account of yours & Betseys return from Ridge¬
field this Day. I received at the same time your Mammas
with an account of the family. I can easily imagine the
difficulties you had to encounter in your return with such

.. ,

vji bA bss doH V )TDKIH8aW

[iSoi]

apparatus 5c such horses for sleighing as my brothers gen¬
erally keep, the apprehensions of danger expressed by your
Uncle Stiles, I have no doubt were such as he felt for your
safety 5c not for his own, and which he uttered in the sin¬
cerity of his heart without once reflecting or suspecting
that it was necessary either to suppress or disguise the
truth by way of cordial to weak nerves — will you say he
should have better known his company? I think not, or
you would not say “ I concurred with him in opinion ”.
In a case where both of you could see the real danger to
have attempted to disguise it would have created distrust
& increased your fears, had the danger been known only
to him, which would you have preferred, to have him
conceal the truth .

(Some omitted and some lost — he continues — )

but whether it will be possible to get from here
under several days from that time, is altogether uncertain
as I find on enquiry that every Stage belonging to the City,
has been taken up some weeks since for that time in par¬
ticular — you will therefore have no occasion to be appre¬
hensive for my health or safety, in case I do not reach
home within three or four days of the time you might
calculate.

The ground here is entirely free from snow and muddy
in the extreme, but weather has for three days been pleas¬
ant and the lobby in Congress Hall crowded with beautiful
young ladies — “ how do they dress, Pa? ” — indeed so vari¬
ous it is difficult to say. When I return, though I shall
for want of terms be unable to describe, yet to your ques¬
tions I may be able to say aye or no

Give my love to your Mama 5c dear little Sisters — I
shall rejoice if I find you in health to see how the little
rogues have improved.

It is not probable I shall write to you again before
I leave this. Heaven bless you & make you all happy.

W. Edmond.

[iSoi]

The following verses were written to my grandmother
on her eighth birthday and although Judge Edmond wrote
poetry all his life, these, with the few lines “ Advice ” are
the only specimens which remain —

How beauteous is the rosy morn!

* Today's the day that I was born!

For eight long years I’ve been a child,

With trifles pleased, my actions wild,

My thoughts employed on childish toys,

My time all spent in childish joys,

Great Power, whose universal care
Thy Children keeps, O! hear my prayer!

Teach infant lips, their Makers praise
And to thyself, my reason raise;

For thou art God, whose kindness kept,

Me, while awake, and while I slept.

Endow’d with health, or if in pain,

Restor’d me to my health again,

Thro’ many a danger to this day
Upheld and watched my devious way.

Be gracious still — enlarge my mind,

For thou art good, and great, and kind,

Preserve my life — extend thy care
And let me live another year
Increase in knowledge, all that’s good
And above all, in Gratitude.

December 1 6th, 1806

Among my grandmother’s letters from sisters and
cousins while in New Haven at boarding school, one finds
many of the same names, as those in letters to my grand¬
father Holbrook Curtis who was twelve years her senior.
These girlish effusions give a quaint picture of the young
people at that time, who with all their conscientiousness
and formality, were fond of gossip, flirtation and dancing.

bn is moii ivMii aWDfftombnr.ia xfn &™>mA

[/<?//]

Newtown, Monday June 1 8 1 1

Miss Elizabeth Edmond,

New Haven, Conn.

What my dear cousin shall I say, that we are lonesome
since deprived or your enlivening society? not, but that
we have time for reflection allowed us, I should have often
regretted your departure as a diminution to my happiness,
but the vanity of numerous domestic cares have so occupied
our time and attention as to prevent our feeling the loss
of your own or Papa’s company as at any other period we
should have done. We were a little disappointed at not
seeing your Papa last Saturday as the day was so fine. By
Mr R — we received a line from him requesting your
Mama to forward by Mr. Botsford a few articles for your
convenience at school, this was intended previous to the
receipt of it. Do you wish to know how we succeed in
domestic concerns? I answer beyond expectation with
considerable fatigue, your Mama I fear feels the loss of
your assistance that I endeavor to prevent by redoubling
may own exertions — We have not had much company since
you left us, my Aunts have not received as they intended.
Mr. W. C. S. and Mr. B. spent Friday evening with us,
M iss B Glover’s call here is the principal Tomorrow
there is a party at Zoar at Mr. Curtis’s* to visit Miss Noyes,
should I be one of the number you shall hear more of it.
I will no longer let self engross my time, but tell you that
your Mama is usually well. Sally enjoys better health
than some time past. William, Ann, Maria, <5c little Rob¬
ert enjoy health and happiness. Should anything be want¬
ing let us know by your Papa or before. We wish much
to hear, how you are situated, how pleased, what acquain-
ance you have acquired. The family all .send love to
your Papa and self. You are requested by your Mama
to write by Capt B. — and send those articles you were

* This was my great grandfather, Salmon Curtis.

■

. ij UOV Ibl tud il rai i >0*1289 1 3^ ?9l i9gno on iiiv/ I
ih v.)d ior >d 87o|n9 llc2 .Hr// filBuau firnfiM iuo>(

,l2Kq omit 9mo2 nsril

[/«?//]

requested to procure — Upon the chamber door in answer
to a question I once made, if you would remember me after
a short absence you wrote, “ Yes, yes, yes,” remember it
now and write soon, my dear Betsey. Do purchase a quire
of good letter paper for me or request your Papa to.

In haste I must say adieu while I remain affectionately

Yours

Maria

Do not tell me I have forgot how to write. If you can find
good blk morocco shoes that will suit my measure do send

a pr.

Newtown 17th Sept. 1811

Miss Elizabeth Edmond
New Elaven

Dear Elizabeth :

The stage did not leave in season to send for you last
week — Mr. Beach will call for you today. I think it will
not be practicable, at least not convenient for you to spend
another Quarter at New Haven at present. You will of
course bring home all your things. I wish you also to
bring an old hat I left at Mr. Ropetin in his South front
chamber closet. You will call on Mr. Coleman for his
Bill for board — & M iss Hotchkiss for hers for tuition, &
Mr. Beach will pay him, if you owe Jenny for washing
pay her — or any other Debt, you will see that they are
all paid so as to leave nothing behind unsettled, also give
my respects to Mr. Coleman & his Lady — to Miss Hotch¬
kiss

Wishing a speedy & safe return I am

with affection

W E

Miss E. Edmond

N B Mrs. Coleman will remember the price agreed
for board was $2 per week.

*i lodfnacnoi J&T

■

Visa j

1 8 1 1.

Miss E. Edmond

New Haven (From her Cousin Maria Hopkins)

A moment only is allowed to say we are in usual health
— and thank my dear Betsy for your interesting epistle
by your Papa. I was delighted with your proficiency in
the art of Drawing a specimen of which you sent Sarah.
Continue my Dear girl to improve in this elegant accom¬
plishment but do not in so doing neglect those more useful
branches of science, a close attention to which will be form¬
ing your mind and manners for future life. A small por¬
tion of which can be devoted to this employment. Your
dear Papa mentions you felt discouraged in perfecting
yourself. In this like every other talent you may possess,
time and patience only are the two powerful requisites.
And these you may have. Sally I think will go to N —
with your Papa. Do write us immediately. By Mr. Black¬
man do send me a comb and will forward the money by
your Papa. Your Mama sends love with the family and
would write you but time is not allowed her adieu — Mr.
B. with Miss D goes

New Haven Oct 24th 1811
Miss Elizabeth P. Edmond
Newtown

Yes my dear girl the receipt of your letter did indeed
give me pleasure. I had heard something of your illness
and felt anxious to hear again. I rejoice that you are
recovering. I hope your health will soon be confirmed and
I hope you will not forget the author of all your blessings,
the giver of every good gift.

Our friend Mrs. Coleman has a fine daughter and has
given it the name of his first wife.

.ciixsgB 01 ei/oi/.n* Jlo\ bns

[/<?/2]

Their family has quite changed in appearance since we
were there. Mr. Coleman is recovering and intends tak¬
ing a short tour soon.

I have procured the muslin for your Mamma and am
glad to have an opportunity of obliging her. I hope she
will employ me again if she wishes any errand of the kind
done.

Miss Carpenter desires her love to you. My respects
to your parents and love to sister Sally.

Yours

Sarah Hotchkiss.

Elizabeth dont let this first be the last letter I ever receive
from you.

Berlin June 1812

Miss Elizabeth Edmond,

Newtown, Connecticut.

You will almost doubt my sincerity, dear Betsey, when
I assure you of the pleasure I experienced in the perusal
of your short epistle received by Mr. Gould when I was
in Litchfield. But it was truly an augmentation of my
happiness to hear once more from you all, notwithstand¬
ing I have so long delayed expressing my satisfaction at
this unexpected proof of your affection; I was fearful be¬
fore, that your remembrance of me was nearlv extinct.

Yesterday afternoon I took tea in Washington at Mr.
Goodrich’s (this gentleman was the former minister in
Ridgefield) when my cousins and myself were invited to
meet Mrs. Cook of Danbury, on inquiry I found that your
sister is now a highly valued neighbor of Mrs. C. As she
leaves town tomorrow I determined to improve this oppor¬
tunity of a conveyance to you, by which I might avail my¬
self of many enquiries after the health and happiness in¬
dividually of each member of the family.

I have narrowly escaped seeing your Papa several times,

fl ‘ '■ I \ jiji PS 1 "'PS

* '$ y '

>tw I nodv/ blue ) -it/ J br/ir»i 3 :?iqu tioill luoy lo

jDnilx!)

r _ _ _ \r

mi s . .1 Maavr ir> m .r, m rnrlv (bbi sjbifl

[18/2]

at the time he was in Litchfield last February, Catharine
and myself were both absent

How is your Mama's health now, I hope her cares and
avocations are not so numerous as when I left Newtown.
They were then too great for her constitution to bear with¬
out preying upon her health. I hope to hear she has some
good hand to assist her in domestic affairs, who is capable
of lifting her burthen. What are cousin Sarah and your¬
self engaged in this summer? Were you so well pleased
with the school in Newhaven as to induce your Papa to
place your sister there this season?

. Cousin William I suppose has probably left you before
this to pursue those studies proper for his age. The rosy
cheek'd Ann Maria, and smiling Robert who come next
in my list of inquiry I should rejoice to see once more arm
in arm going to school, do they continue as formerly in¬
separable companions?

I was in Newhaven in March and intended to have
seen Jenny but after several enquiries I could not learn
any information respecting her and the shortness of my
stay prevented my devoting much time to a search for her
abode. I hope your Mama has not relinquished the idea
of visiting this part of Connecticut. She encouraged me
with a belief that she should before long take this journey.
Judge Reeve mentioned to me sometime since that when
he saw you after your illness your countenance was not as
healthful as formerly. I heard with regret that the ravages
of disease had deprived you of that charming color, in your
cheek that glowed and shown so fresh. But even this cir¬
cumstance to the mind of my dear cousin will convey a
moral lesson on the frailty of external beauty. I hope you
will improve opportunities to write me often, and cousin
Sarah too, I shall ever be happy to hear from you all. Kiss
each of the children for me and remember me affection¬
ately to your Parents. Often think of me as your affec¬

tionate

Cousin Maria.

Note My grandmother was removed from school in New Haven because they put an
iron dog collar on her neck to make her sit up straight, as she was very tall.

[*8i5\

Huntington, 1815

Miss Elizabeth Edmond,

New Town

When I received your letter My Dear Elizabeth I did
not intend it should remain so long unanswered but hope
you will excuse me if I write one long enough now to make
up for lost time. I have been to New Haven lately on a
visit and spent three weeks very pleasantly. I saw your
sister Sally frequently, she appears to be very well pleased
with N Haven and I think she could not be otherwise. I
called to see cousin Sarah Hopkins the first day that I
heard she was in town but to my disappointment found she
had gone home, I regretted it very much for I had a very
great desire to become acquainted with her. I was very
much gratified with a letter from her, she wrote she enjoyed
herself very much in N Town and that it was very lively
there.

I found quite an alteration among my acquaintances in
N Haven, many of them have become subjects of this late
revival of religion which you have undoubtedly heard of
from your sister who is one of the number that entertains
a hope, the awakening has spread more generally through
Mr Herricks school than in town. Mr. Herrick is a very
pious man & appears to be very much engaged in the cause
at this time in particular and all other Christians. I think
it will be very gratifying to your parents to hear that Sally
has become pious.

Betsey I think you must have some lonesome hours since
your cousin left you and Sally from home too, then, do once
in a while think of me with pity. I learn that you are not
likely to lose Clarissa after all that has took place. & almost
hope Esqr Stanley will never find any young lady that will
receive his attention any more. When you write again do tell
me how your Mama does for I should be extremely well
pleased to hear from any of your particular acquaintance.

i .• > ‘ • , ! ■ ' ■ HJ )V

You wrote me that you heard I was going to be married,
but I cannot think you believed it or at least you will not
when I tell you it positively is not so. Please to tell Maria
I do not thank her for reporting such a story as that, all
over New Haven. I have visited in Bridgeport since I
left New Haven and saw the celebrated beauty, Miss
Pamela Hubbell, who I have so much heard of, she told
me she was acquainted with you and all the New Town
ladies, & think her very handsome indeed.

Betsey I am almost angry with you when I think how
long it is since I was in New Town and you have never
returned the visit. I think you have almost forgotten me.
Do write me the next opportunity and I will be more
punctual in answering your letters than I have been, if
you do not write soon I shall think you are angry with
me for my negligence.

Please to give my respects to your Papa and all my ac¬
quaintances.

Yours, S. Hawley

August 2 1 st tomorrow is my birthday I shall be 18 years
old.

(From Grandma's brother while he was at Yale College.
Imagine a college boy of today writing this sort of thing.)

NEWHAVEN February 22nd 1820.

Miss Elizabeth Edmond
N ewtown
C6nn.

Dear Sister

Wednesday afternoon has once more arrived and with
it the usual respite from the labors of the week, and in¬
clination, the main spring of all my actions, prompts me
to again resume my pen for the purpose of holding a tacit
conversation with my dear Sister. I shall first attempt to

[ i8zo ]

answer your affectionate letter for which I assure you I
feel particularly grateful as I am conscious of being en¬
tirely undeserving of so great a favor.

Now if you wish me to believe you as strict in the prac¬
tice of your doctrine as your correctness in laying down
the rudiments would seem to imply, it would add much to
the weight of your argument. You doubtless remember
the old saying, 1:4 example is often more powerful than
precept," if you will continue to bear this in mind and act
accordingly, you may expect at some future period to wit¬
ness its exemplification. You need be under no apprehen¬
sions with regard to the reception of your advice author¬
ized as it is by superiority of your maturity of judgment
and ties of affection and friendship. Let me assure you
however, my dear sister, if when endeavoring to admin¬
ister consolation to an afflicted mind you imagined the
cause of my depression of spirits to originate or indeed
to have any connection with those trifling scenes in which
I lately participated, you have entirely misconstrued my
feelings and would to heaven it were of as little conse¬
quence. My studies though the most difficult of any in the
whole College course are as agreeable as can be expected
where nothing less than clearness and the most minute
investigation can enable us to understand and prosecute
them with success. I am at length convinced that regu-
larity and perseverance to the attainment of excellence in
any branch of science and that industry never fails of be¬
ing rewarded. And although I do not expect to soar on
the wings of fame to the temple of immortality, yet it is
my ardent wish at some future period to become a respect¬
able and I hope, useful, member of society. I have dis¬
charged my bills for the last term as far as my money
would permit, the balance which is still unpaid amounts
to twenty three dollars. Papa wished me to send my Col¬
lege bills as soon as receipted, but the want of opportunity
has prevented me. My shoes are almost worn out & I
wish those which Dibble had begun when I left, if com-

-ib 3 I .yj3bo8 i > ,iuto'U ,3qod brie ojdK

■

[ 1 8 20 ]

pleted, might be sent immediately. Give my love to the
family and

believe me your affectionate brother

Wm. P. Edmond.

Judge Edmond lived in a large house on Newtown Hill
and when his portrait was painted, the artist also painted
a landscape over the parlour mantlepiece. This house,
my mother said, was burned down and with it most of the
books brought to this country by Robert Edmond. The
chairs in the library at Watertown were imported from
France in 1816, and the chests of linen, toile de jouev,
Lowestoft & Staffordshire china and various pieces of
furniture belonged to my grandmother. She always adored
her father, who is described as a “ physical and mental
giant,” versed in classical knowledge, the law and medi¬
cine. He was relied upon for advice and counsel in the sur¬
rounding country. When he went to Philadelphia he rode
on horseback, a matter of four days according to his letters.
Mr. Cothren, the historian, said that in appearance and
personality he resembled General Washington more than
anyone he knew. I like to imagine him in small clothes,
ruffled shirt and queue poring over his great leather books.
Through the open window would come the smell of hay
and one could see across the valley layer upon layer of blue
wooded hills, clustering villages and white church steeples.

The settlers at Stratford had followed the Housatonic
into the interior and several miles away at Zoar, Salmon
Curtis lived upon land inherited from his grandfather
Benjamin, son of Captain Josiah Curtis. His toryism made
him unpopular and probably caused the bitterness evident
in my grandfather’s journal, 1814, 1822.

Holbrook Curtis graduated from Yale in 1807, when
all New England was in a ferment from Jefferson’s Em¬
bargo. This act, which, aimed at the British in retaliation
for their impressing American seaman, practically killed
the commerce and industry of the northern states. Feel-

; Bii mt- inon n\l \ > jplauuni bm Mvxnttio? u; J

[i8oS]

ing ran so high in Connecticut there was even talk of seces¬
sion, and it led, in the war of 1812, to the Governor of
that State refusing at first to supply troops to the Federal
army. The extracts from my grandfather's journal begin
while he was studying law and teaching school in New¬
town.

Holbrook Curtis Journal

Newtown, Monday , September 1S08. Training of
the militia to arms. Read but little, spent the evening at
Mr. Chapmans.

Monday. Representatives chosen from Newtown,
John Sanford and Simeon Beers, both Federalists.

January iSOQ. Read Swift part of the day, in the
evening on account of a company coming from New Mil¬
ford, attended a Ball at Mr. Josiah Glovers.

Saturday. Spent the day principally in company, the
evening at Mr. David Nichols.

Tuesday. Read very steadily through the day, spent
the evening in company with Messrs. Hicock & Sherman
for the purpose of forming a society Constitution.

Thursday February Q, iSOQ. Spent the evening at Mr.
Chapmans in company, news of a bill having passed for
the repeal of the embargo in the lower house.

Friday. Studied, read papers through the day, in the
evening read Churchills Poems.

Feb. 26th 180Q . . . Went in company with

Aunt Nichols to Woodbury. Returned about sundown.
Went with a company of young people to Brookfield. Re¬
turned about 3 in the morning.

Saturday March 4th 1 809. Mr. Madison, the Presi¬
dent elect, takes the chair of state, it is supposed the Em¬
bargo will come off partially this day. Read Livy in the
evening.

_ /

Thursday. Read 50 Pages in Espionass. Embargo to

come off partially the 15th of March.

April 1809. News of the English having quit Spain.

\_i8oq]

Tuesday. Read 30 Pages in Swift, a trifle in Powel,
& spent the evening at Mr. David Nichols in company
with ladies.

June 1st 1809. . . . Attended a Court, Beck

versus Deming.

Monday ... in the afternoon heard a law suit.
David Curtis was Plaintiff & I. Sherman and wife De¬
fendants action of slander, there was no judgment ob¬
tained being adjourned.

Wednesday. Read a trifle in Blackstone also in Ovids
Art of Love. ( ! !)

Spent the evening at Mr. Joseph Nichols.

Out in the evening, formed a society.

Read Shakespeare etc.

Monday. Training. Read but little, danced in the
evening at the Widow B — ’s. Made preparation for
training.

Tuesday. Two regiments of cavalry and one of In¬
fantry were collected in the street had 2 pieces and went
through the common course of exercise. In the evening
I attended a ball got to bed between 4 and 5 o’clock.

1809 October (age 22) Read a trifle in Pope, etc.

Thursday. Read 100 in Blackstone. very sick from
smoking cigars, resolve I will smoke no more, spent part
of evening at Mr. I. Glovers.

Thursday. Rode to Danbury in a snowstorm, spent
the evening in drinking and such like business.

W ednesday . Played at nine pins went to bed in season.

Thursday. In the evening was examined for the oath
and together with 5 others admitted, after the usual round
of drinking went to my couch.

Friday. This morning after the oath was administered
& after dinner I left town & came as far as E. Nichols.

Thanksgiving. Spent the evening at Mr. Glovers and
Mr. Chapmans. Attended the contortions of a dancing
master. (!)

bsi^zinimbs rfjso adj t31)e gnimom airlT .^aViV5!

■

[ 1810 ]

Friday . Read a trifle in the “ Citizen of the World ”,
wrote nearly a sheet full of papers in the afternoon <5c
evening, entertain strong notions of in these days of quit¬
ting town.

March 1 8 10. Thursday. Read a trifle of Poetry &
little other matters, etc.

Wednesday. Read a trifle in Taber on Purchases spent
the evening partly at Judge Edmonds (Note. This was
in 1810 when my grandmother was only twelve, so all those
years the families knew each other.)

Thursday. Attended singing school late in the evening.

Thursday , May 1 8 10 Attended to my boys, read Heno-
phon, etc.

Friday. Read a trifle in the morning, in the afternoon
rode home.

Saturday. Went to Bridgeport in the morning, did but
little that day.*

Sunday sailed from Bridgeport for New York. Went
a little more than half the distance.

Monday. Arrived in New York a little before noon.
Attended the theatre in the evening, tragedy the (illegible)

Tuesday. Travelled about the city, made observations,
etc.

Wednesday May 1st 1 8 10. Travelled about the city,
spent a considerable time in the Battery, attended the play
in the evening, tragedy Alphonso of Castile.

Thursday. Walked about as usual, in the evening had
a supper of oysters.

Friday. Spent part of the day at Mrs. Mathieus,. left
New York for Bridgeport at i.

Saturday. Arrived in Bridgeport 4 in the morning
in Newtown at 4 in the afternoon.

Sunday May 5th. Walked about in the afternoon went
home, staid over night.

Monday. Came into town, training of the militia, at¬
tended a ball in the evening.

*Ije writes elsewhere of driving his “Cozen” in the “Chaise” which he gave after his
mother's death to his sister, Mrs. Tomlinson.

5 1

Snimoca aril ni * lioq^bha ni bavin A

[lSl2'\

Tuesday. Attended to my school, read a trifle, spent
the evening in company.

Friday. Heard a cause argued before General Bald¬
win. Some trouble of mind in these days.

September //, l8lO. Tuesday. Rode to New Haven,
taken up with company.

W ednesday. Commencement day. attended to the ex¬
ercises of the day, took a second degree, spent the evening
at the Columbia Gardens.

Thursday. Went to Wallingford & saw Col. Humph¬
reys cattle show.

Friday. Spent the day with Cozens & friends in Wal¬
lingford.

Saturday. Rode from Wallingford home by the way
of Humphryville, called on some relatives.

Monday. Freemans meeting, attended in the afternoon,
Federalists.

Sunday, June 21st, lSl2. Attended church all day.
Heard that there is a declaration of war.

Tuesday. Read but little. No talk but of war.

Sunday July IQ, lSl2. War has not yet exhibited
herself in open Contest except on the Ocean where there
have been mutual captures though the balance is much
against the U. S.

Sunday , August $0. Attended Church, Bishop present,
Confirmation, etc. The 17th of the present month Gend
Hull surrendered an army of 2000 men to the English
General Brock without firing a gun.

Monday, Tues., TV ednes., Thurs., Fri. Taken up in
reading Tacitus, Sic. Rode home in the afternoon Fri., and
Saturday read as usual.

Sunday, Sept, ig, 1S12. Attended Church, heard 2

sermons from Mr. Burhans. Out of health. About the

first part of August the Guerriere , a British 44, fell in with
” «

Note: (Captain Hull was presented with a “sword and an elegant pair of
pistols” by the Connecticut Legislature which, although it had been averse to
entering the War of 1812, as most of the New England Federalists had been,
was proud that the first success at sea should be due to a Connecticut man.)

... . ' ■ :

iiSi3\

the Constitution commanded by Capt. Hull and was so
roughly handled by the latter that she struck and the next
day was blown up to prevent her sinking.

Sunday, Oct. 2 j, l8l2. Attended Church, Rode home.

Monday. Spent the day in doing but little.

Tuesday. Rode with my sister to New Haven, tarried
overnight.

Wednesday. Returned from New Haven in the rain.

Thursday. Came in to town.

Friday, Saturday. Attended to my school. Read Livy.

Sunday, 21st of March 1813. Attended Church. En¬
suing week until Friday attended to my boys, except Thurs¬
day when I visited schools. Friday, dismissed my school
for ever being about to go to Watertown. A new era in
life about to commence.*

The following letter from one of his Noyes cousins
speaks of his changed quarters.

Wallingford April the 13 1813
Holbrook Curtis, Esq.

Watertown
Dear Cousin

I had the pleasure of receiving your kind favor of the
6 Inst, informing me of your removal to Watertown I
am happy to hear you are pleased with your situation &
hope you may find sufficient encouragement to settle there.
As your Parents have felt anxious lest you should go to
some distant part, they as well as other friends will be
gratified to have you so near. I hope you will not be so
engrossed in business but that you will visit us the en-
sueing summer.

You probably have heard of the Death of Uncle Philo
I am told he was quite resigned to Death. Our family
are in usual health, except Ma, who has been confin'd the

*The Selectmen asked him to go there and settle, wishing a lawyer in the
place who would practise and also give advice as a man of education and brains.
He was always called Squire Curtis, or Judge. The other families of that name
were not related.

ri"ii :uiij rili'ff b«r.alq 3iE i/o*( TS3£l oj :qqc ff *

ad (tiw Ibnqhl i ullo «b Ibv/ as yaril ,ncq insleib omo2

t IS 1 3}

fortnight past with the canker rash, but is now better and
about.

Sally and myself have contemplated visiting N Town
this spring, but I fear we shall be disappointed — per¬
haps we may go in the fall — I wish much to see my N
Town friends. I have not heard from Clarissa since she
left us; she probably gave you an account of her visit
here; & meeting her old friend E E and so on.

I hear Charlotte Sanford is married. I don’t see your
name in the list — I suppose you wait till the war is over.
I have nothing that will either interest or entertain you.
I will therefore close and give Pa room to add a few lines.
I need not tell you my Dear C — n I shall be ever happy
to hear from you. The family join with me in love.

From your affectionate

Friend and Cousin

Ann Noyes

(“ E. E.” must have been Elizabeth Edmond. Here is
“ Clarissa ” again)

Holbrook Curtis,

Watertown
Dear Sir,

I am disposed to avail myself of the offer you make
to take my son under your instruction, where you now
reside; provided you are not subjected thereby to incon¬
venience & some person would like to send a son here in
exchange. Mr. Bradley & a Lady well qualified for the
business, will instruct in our Academy. If you will take
it upon you to inquire for a good place for my son to
board at, on the plan proposed you will lay us under
renewed obligations. Should he go to Watertown, I shall
calculate to have him leave us by the third week in May.
We shall expect to hear from you on the premisses as soon
as you are prepared to write. My best wishes attend you
in your professional concerns and more particularly in

i Of '

I '.1813]

the higher concerns of immortal existence to which we
are pointed by the removal of our friends & acquaintances.
I hope that the death of your Uncle Philo will be suitably
improved to the afflicted family.

Your affectionate friend and Uncle

James Noyes

Wallingford 29th Nov. 1813
Thursday P.M.

Holbrook Curtis Esq.

Watertown, Connec.

Ere this Cousin Holbrook I suspect you have given
up all thoughts of hearing from me; but hope you will not
infer from my silence that I am unmindful of my friend
or engagements, for to the contrary I can assure you that
I have made several attempts to write as often was called
off is a positive fact. But have now sat down with a deter¬
mination to answer your letter. “ let the worse be what it
will ” & hope no one will come in (as family) to interrupt
me; for I intend to give myself full liberty without re¬
garding size & I had almost said propriety. Your letter
was duely received and read with pleasure. It is quite re¬
viving to hear from your Lordship once more; I concluded

that, that young Enchantress, your incomparible - had

so completely ingrossed all your attention that not one
single thought was bestowed upon absent friends; & as
she had made you her captive, thought the silence quite
excuseable. But not one word do you say of her, but that
you have been waiting all this while for me to write. A
fine excuse indeed for a “ College Learned Beau”! & a
good look too for love! Now, Cousin H — if the truth
was known, I believe it would appear that your patience
was entirely exhausted, waiting for this Prodigy to make
proposals of marriage, & finding her silent on the subject,
thought fit to reprimand her, for delaying what you con¬
sidered her indispensible duty to disclose, & in this way

* !"ijk38 feosruwJ -;,ollo3“ a to* bwbni s huyad snft

’

US 1 3]

occurred the displeasure of the Lady, & swelled your own
desperate state. It seems you have but just observed (in
your old age) that custom forbids our first making advances
of that kind; but as you do not adhere to fashion & approve
of Lady’s making proposals I have concluded to rally a
considerable force of girls & send them to waylay you, so
you will have an opportunity of selecting just which you
please. Sarah Hawley possibly may please your fancy,
I’ll not pretend to obliterate those who you please, & Pray
never give that as an excuse again, it will not exculpate
you. You wish me, when inquired of, why you lived a
life of celibacy, to say “ no young Lady ever solicited your
hand”? you shall be gratified, I will say “you only ac¬
knowledge the truth, my cousin was quite a diffident little
fellow, & thinking it quite out of character for young
Gentlemen to offer themselves, waited for some young Lady
to do so until experience taught him to the contrary, & that
was not till he arrived at years of superanuation & found
himself too old to please the fancy of those he would select
for a wife.” Did you ever? how provoking! Here comes a
beau with an invitation for us to attend the Ball so you see
I am necessitated to leave without finishing my letter but
never mind I’ll resume my pen again in the morning. It
is quite late & I must go to prepare for the Ball, Goodnight.
Friday noon. Good Morning cousin Holbrook; what a
delightful day! I have just returned from a short walk
with Ann & Maria Hawley (who spent the night with us)
call’d upon a friend & found sitting in her drawing room
the Beaus <?c Belles in fine spirits playing games at Whist.
I stayed long enough to have a little “ dish of discourse ”
with them, left early to make a few calls & hastened home
to chat with you.

We had a most “super excellent” Ball last eve; about
2 c; couple — just enough to render it pleasant. But what
was a little unfortunate for us it was very dark when we
came home, the rain poured down in torrents & “ just by
way of variety” we took half a “trip” over — however

.nit1 f 16 jniynlq aliiiqa uih ni «lba & t>dl

> gnof bovr.Ja I

Juo te ;3v > ;«£l JijK 13 j, ■ r<on i s lid ,7/

vr! J2U*[ J* 3& ajnmol nr nv/ob fanuoq m i srh (srnod omn

we arrived safe at the old mansion in good health and with
spirits not much depressed. It has been quite lively in
Wallingford of late; we have partys almost every week,
and Balls not infrequently. Dancing and card playing
appear to be the favorite amusements of young people.

It is but few months since card playing was introduced —
but as I am quite a novice in the art cannot join with my
acquaintances in their games. As it is beginning to be
fashionable & others appear to derive so much pleasure
from it I must acknowledge when I see them all engaged
I feel inclined to attain some little knowledge; just enough
to participate with my friends — but Mama says “ Sarah,

I do not wish you to learn; in my opinion card playing has
a bad tendency ” — and now what do you say about that,
Esq? Is there any impropriety in substituting cards for
Button, Crimmonal, Sec. come speak candidly the sentiment
of your mind Se I will abide by your judgment. I know,
cousin H egotism cannot be interesting to you, but when
writing to my friends I say just what happens to come first,
not thinking they have bounds to their patience as well as
myself, but without enlarging upon the subject I’ll now
turn to your letter.

I never came across so insulting an old beau as you are;
then you really think by using considerable art I may pos¬
sibly obtain a husband Se then you think to flatter a “ little
bit or so ” by saying I possess a vivid imagination See. I
beg you will say not more; for my vanity is now so inflated
that it seems as though I was elevated in air and cannot
tell whether I am in or out of the body. But to talk like '
a rational creature, I am surprised to find you ignorant of
my intention to be an old maid! did you not know that I
(with a number of others) expected ere long to keep old
maids Hall? That is to be the case Sir! Sc a critique
as you are, we will ever be happy to see you, and if you
honor us with a visit, will exert our best endeavors to please
you. I perceive by your bit would insinuate as tho’ I gave
myself full liberty, in talking about your honor. To be sure

. i ui v r>J in

o;-] o} lufi .ybod ydi )uq io ni me I isrtori w ibl

uov li bn* fuo r 332 u ^qqfid yd jUiw; aw f3ifi uoi( ec
3vb- I foiii 2B aieufliirti hluow nd iuo* yd avkmaq I .no*

{iSi4\

who would refrain from laughing when they heard our

old Steve had fallen in love and was going to be married

and must have a better command of their risibles than mv-

■/

self to suppress them, I am sorry however if your Lord-
ship is discomforted and beg ten thousands of pardons.
Then you are soon to be introduced to a party of Ladys at
- ? as your heart is so very susceptible, and your dis¬
position enterprising, I expect your first visit will termi¬
nate in matrimony. Take care dont let your heart
“ bump ” too hard — I have not half answered your letter
and here come 3 beaux, well I'll run oft & they shall not
tell them I am home till I have time to speak of the
family. We are all well in this house, Mama is at N.
Haven Uncle Philo’s widow & cousin Sally were here
week before last & Cornelia returned with them. I have
not heard from N.Town friends of late. Do come & see
us soon. I am called and must reluctantly close in great
haste

Your friend & cousin

Sarah Noyes

Parents & sisters join with me in love. If you cannot read
this, do tell me and I will endeavour to write more legibly
next time. I have not time to look it over.

From Journal of Holbrook Curtis.

Watertown, 25th of February, 1814.

It is almost a year since I came to Watertown, during
which time, I have argued several causes. I have laboured
under great disadvantage from timidity & its consequent
embarrassment. I think I have overcome this difficulty in
a measure.

The 2d day of this month an event happened to me the
most afflicting I have ever witnessed. The death of my
Father. Attending court at Litchfield on Wednesday the
2d inst., at o’clock I was called from my bed when I rec'd

[■

.omit )> )n

5n?2 r Jaoralfi ai tl

! oi n del >vfid I .aoeuso Isiov-j^ bougin ovsri I ^mil ffoiriw

Jnomaajm dmo

Holbrook Curtis

I1S14I

the disagreeable intelligence that he was dangerously ill.
I rode with speed towards home 6c at the Bridge rec’d the
more unwelcome tiding that he was dead. He expired at
8 in the evening. Peace to his shade. His kindness has
heretofore freed me from care & supplied all my wants.
May my respect for thy memory never stay, and if those
departed are permitted to scan or influence the conduct of
sublunary mortals, may mine be such that thou canst with
satisfaction look on me from on high, and wilt thou,
dear shade, direct, watch o'er & protect me, & may we at

last join society in those - mansions where sorrow &

terror will be known no more.

(Signed) Holbrook Curtis

My Grandfather considered a return to Newtown after
his father's death in 1814 and his cousin writes to him in
regard to his decision.

Wallingford nth April 1814
Monday P.M.

Holbrook Curtis, Esq.

Watertown, Conn.

Dear Cousin

As I was walking out a few days since, & retrospec¬
tively viewing past scenes, other objects gradually van¬
ished; & you alone took possession of my mind. Why
said I, does he not write to me? Did my letter filled with
all manner of nonsense give offence? Or were his spirits
so depressed that he feels no inclination to converse with
the (apparently) vain & frivolous Sarah? thus, various
conjectures were forming, when I arrived at the home of
my friend (Miss Kirtland) & at the door was accosted by
Mr. C. who held out a letter. I hastily seized it — and
with no small pleasure and surprise recognized the hand
of my cousin Holbrook. We are all happy to hear from

[ i8i4\

you & that you are eligibly situated at Watertown — my
Parents coincide with Aunt in thinking it better for you
to remain there , than renounce your profession & return
to New Town. Cousin Holbrook, I applaud, <?c admire,
your fillial attention & concern for your mother, but think as
it is her desire you should continue at W.-n your duty is
plain before you. After spending much time & labor in
acquiring sufficient knowledge of your profession, & be¬
ing well established in business I think you would enjoy
yourself less well in persuing an employment of which
you are unacquainted, as to continue in the practice of
Law, & certainly you would not be as useful to the com¬
munity, all things consider'd I think your most judicious
plan will be to fix your permanent abode at Watertown.
We will be very happy to see you whenever you will give
us the pleasure of a visit & if you cannot come this spring,
do not let the summer slide off without seeing Walling¬
ford. My Parents have been anxious to see Aunt ever since
Uncle’s death, & would have been at New Town ere this,
had not sickness in the family, & Pa's parochial duty’s
(which have been great) conspired to render it impractic¬
able for them to leave home. The fever has & still prevails
in this town, tho’ at present it is abating — during the un¬
pleasant month of March scarcely a day passed without
Pa’s being called to visit the sick & attend funerals — nor
were his labor’s confined to this Parish the opposite County
of Northford, & a number of family’s in Cheshire (while
their minister was absent) sent for him to visit them in
their distress, tho’ he has been much exposed to the fever
yet through the mercy of God it has not affected him. Un¬
doubtedly you have heard of Majr Hawley’s death — he
has left an afflicted disconsolate family. I was with them
when he died & a more affecting scene I never before wit¬
ness’d.

A week or two since Grandmamma was attacked with
the fever — for a few days we were quite alarmed about
her- — she soon began to recover strength & consider’d her-

; . . <d I i

Wifi

self almost well (& rather imprudently) left her room &
breakfasted & spent part of the morning with company,
6c since her fever has returned with alarming symptoms,
which if not soon removed we fear will terminate in a
quick consumption — she is now able to sit up great part
of the day. Little Eunice has been quite ill for a few days
but is now getting better. Pa purpose's visiting New
Town this spring, if Grand-Ma gets better, Ma will accom¬
pany him, otherwise one of my sisters. Mrs. Grant, & Ann
likewise talks of going but I think it doubtful whether
they reach there.

On Monday last Esq Hawley deliver'd a spirited 6c
eloquent oration, the subject of which was the defeat 6c
downfall of Bonepart, tho’ his time was not so much en¬
grossed with the Scourge of Europe — as to leave unno¬
ticed the situation of our own distracted country. It was
written in fine stile, deliver'd with much dignity . . . . &
interested all the advocates for peace while the faces of
the Tyrants 6c Madison's friends were flushed with indig¬
nation. I would quote some of his remarks but under¬
stand it is soon to appear in print 6c were I to begin a
rehearsal for before I could possibly stop, your patience
would be wronged 6c my ability exhausted. Mary Ann
Noyes has recently been visiting us, but before your letter
arrived she had returned.

I wish you would prevail on Aunt* 6c cousin Polly Ann
to come to Wallingford. I think it may be of service to
them to journey after the winters confinement. Grandma
thanks you for your kind remembrance of her 6c wishes me
to present her compliments in return. Parents Sisters 6c
Brothers unite with me in respects 6c love to Aunt, Cousins,
& yourself. Please remember my love to Clarissa 6c Maria
Nichols 6c any who may enquire after your friend and

Cousin . Sarah.

(Letter written by Sarah Noyes)

* “ Aunt ” was Esther Holbrook Curtis and Polly Ann her daughter who mar¬
ried Isaac Tomlinson. She was my grandfather’s only sister and her daughter
married Judge Chapman of Hartford.

[i Si 4]

(Reverend James Noyes, the father of Sally and Ann
Noyes, married Ann Holbrook, sister of Salmon Curtis’
wife. He was descended from Rev. James Noyes of New-
burvport, who when he saw seven poor old witches hang¬
ing on gibbets outside of Salem, remarked, “ There be
seven firebrands of HellA)

Wallingford August 29th 1814

Holbrook Curtis Esq.

W a ter town

Dear Uncle

I received your letter on Monday, and thank you very
much for your advice. You wrote, that you thought the
last Edition of Morsas would be better for me, it is the
last Edition of Morsas that I attend to. I study Dic¬
tionary and attc*nd to writing. I have not Painted but very
little, there is school only 4 days in a week, three weeks
since Mrs. Elton left off going to school. I was homesick
a little at first with the school but now I like it very much.
Yesterday afternoon Mr. Elton dismissed his school, he
was so unwell, and today he has not attended, I heard he
was very sick. As to grammar I shall attend to that this
winter.

Aunt has been very sick with the Prevailing Epidemic
but has got better, there has a number of others had it in
this Place and but one died. Charles and Clarissa are in
Wallingford, they have today gone to Middletown with
Sally. You mentioned writing Composition, there is none
in the school that attended to it.

I have no news that Uncle would care about hearing,
therefore I shall stop

Your affectionate niece

S Tomlinson

[ISIQ]

Holbrook Curtis’ first marriage to Elizabeth Stone Cut¬
ler is described in his journal, but was of short duration.
The death of the child was quickly followed by that of the
mother.

August 30th, 1819

It is more than five years since I have written in the
foregoing Diary. How many and how great have been the
vicissitudes of my life since that period. How true the
language of the wise Man, as applied to me:

For what hath man of all his labour and
of the venation of his heart wherein he
hath laboured under the sun?

For all his days are sorrow and his
travail grief. Yea, his heart taketh not
rest in the night. This is also vanity.

The following condoles with the death of his child, and
shows the point of view of that day.

Wallingford August 13th 1819

Holbrook Curtis Esq.

Watertown

Dear Sir:

We had not heard of the death of your child till yester¬
day, when Mr. Cutler informed us of it. We condole with
you and your wife under the event. If trials are necessary
for us in this state of humanity, it is equally necessary that
God should determine the kind and measure of them.
There is much cause for thankfulness in all our tribula¬
tion, that he designs our profit therein. Your knowledge
of the scriptures, enable you (I doubt not) to have right
views of him in his afilictive dispensations.

We hope that Anna will be some comfort to your dear
Partner, whose situation excites our sympathy — May her

health be restored and her life continued many years —
Especially, our ardent desire is, that she may have tran¬
quility in her soul. You will give my love 6c that of your
Aunt to her; and tell her from us that she must “ Be of
good cheer, for Christ hath overcome the world.”

That trust in him, which involves confidence in his
love and faithfulness, will be her support — In proportion
as earthly things fail her a sense of the value of heavenly
things will become a compensation worth possessing.

The vicissitudes you have met with, I think, will not
fail of producing their desired effect — moderate affection
towards outward objects, Christian submission — That this
may be the case, is the ardent wish of your

Affectionate uncle

James Noyes

Journal of Holbrook Curtis

August 19th, 1821, Thursday

The weather is cold and dreary, on Monday the snow
fell a foot deep, on a level, or more, although it is much
drifted. The oldest people among us never saw such a
time before, they say. The cold is freezing. The last has
been a long winter, and some of the coldest weather ever
known, Farenheit ranging from 10 to 20 below o. It is
now more than a year and a half since I have written in
my journal, during which period I have remained single,
and boarded for the most part with Mrs. Cutler, having
left housekeeping Dec. 1820. I have an unproductive prop¬
erty consisting of a House and lands & furniture. The
times are very hard for farmers, produce has never been
as low before since my recollection, — Pork $9. per hun¬
dred, Corn $00.34 Per Bushel, and Rye $00.42 — a very
difficult time for persons in Debt. I never was a financier,
and I shrewdly suspect the good people of the place have
shewed me pretty thoroughly since I have been in this

ri ■ 1 it f •' 1) VJ »)■ : ; i i ,(:• ' f ti *■ ! J 1 1

MwHHMWSqn

[IS2I]

Town, at least, I have done considerable business, and re¬
duced my capitol considerably besides, although my ex¬
penses have indeed been considerable. My greatest fault
is indolence, and my small one, a want of Ambition. I
speak of myself as belonging to the World, For in the
sight of Heaven, I know I have crimes enough, in all con¬
science, without particularizing. I believe I might have
attained some eminence in my profession, I believe I might
have been respected for talents, But I lost my ambition
when young, and of course my industry, — for a cause and
in a Manner that I do not choose to describe on paper. I
suffered in early life by reason of the Malice, Envy &
Triumphant Management of those who had no other occa¬
sion to hate me than that they saw me rioting in favor and
enjoyments which were denied them. I did not, like
Byron's Corsair turn traitor to human Nature, and hate
all — but one. On the other hand, having felt distress my¬
self, I have ever been pierced more deeply by the woes
of others.

I cannot raise my eyes to Heaven and say I forgive all
Mankind. But if it be a Christian duty so to do, God
grant my mind may be so much enlightened as to believe
it. I cannot say that I am entirely indifferent to the favours
of the World. But yet I have very little anxiety about
them. The truth is my early Heartrendings taught me to
distrust of all Mankind, and I much doubt if there be any
other emotion of the Mind than that of selfishness in all
semblance of benevolence. I have more recently, or since
my residence in this place, seen much of Happiness and
domestic enjoyment — and trials and woes so severe as to
cast all my other sorrows into shade. I am now quite
calm — happily my mind is so constituted as that the more
violent emotions can make no impression on it for a long
period — in succession. But sometimes my grief will steal
upon my solitude and exhibit me to myself the most for¬
lorn of Mortals. I wish I had a good wife, and as I can¬
not endure the Meanness, niggardliness & drudgery neces-

sary to acquire an estate, and have a desire to read, be
quiet, and enjoy domestic happiness, and wish my children
well educated, if I should have any, I wish I had a rich
wife. But as I seldom go abroad, have little confidence in
myself, and want management, I trust I shall never have
any wife at all.

Sunday, April 29th, 1821

I have been to Church through the day, heard two ser¬
mons from the Revd. Bethel Judd. The text “ Now is Christ
risen from the Dead.” The morning sermon was argu¬
mentation keen and perspicuous and the evidence of
Christ’s Resurrection was presented in a Manner so im¬
posing as .to leave no doubt on the Mind. But there was
clearly a falling off in the afternoon, when the same sub¬
ject was continued by way of application and improvement.
On Religious subjects 1 am somewhat blind. Oh, that
God would give me light. Within the last year, the Rev.
L. McNeil Gridley, settled Presbyterian Minister of this
place, has died. He was an honest, plain, candid, easy,
good Man, Negligent of his affairs and died a Bankrupt.
Pie had a considerable share of feeling. He was at times
touching and quite affecting in Prayer. Since his death
there seems to be a great desire to encite what is termed
a Religious Awakening, and I believe it will succeed. I
hope it will make people better if it does, Although I very
much doubt the beneficial effects of those Religious ex¬
citements commonly denominated Awakenings. Indeed I
am a sinner and selfish myself, but I see selfishness, temper,
uncharitablcness and a disposition to slander in those who
are subjects of awakening — and pretend to a change of
heart. On Tuesday I calculate, God willing, to go to
Hartford, being for the first time a Member of the Legis¬
lature, — What I did not expect, as I am nominally an Epis¬
copalian. There is a Majority of Presbyterians in this
place who have always appeared to me remarkably jealous
of their rights for a Majority. But I could not have been

■

[ IS2I ]

elected without the votes of some of them, so I conclude
they think it either proper or politic not to press Matters
too hard. I have ever endeavoured to avoid that Religious
Bigotry that leads one Man to treat another ill on account
of a difference in religious sentiment. But I have felt it
considerably in the course of my life — I have been im¬
properly and unjustly treated for no other cause than that
I attended Church. I have no wish to retaliate, but I wish
feelings of that kind so inconsistent with the Nature of
our Government & constitution were done away. It is a
Relic of the Dark Ages. How do those persons who expect
to go to the same Heaven calculate to enjoy perfect hap¬
piness in Company with each other when they bear one
another a deadlv Hatred?

(A page of Journal torn out here)

for one, and I would be very well pleased
to be clear of the profession, and enjoy some Dulcinia in
quiet. But then the enjoyments of love in a Cottage or a
desert does well for a Novel but not at all for Real Life.

Tuesday June 12 1821

Heigh Ho, — I am indolent, — lazy — I board with
Mrs. Cutler, but have no convenient lodging Room. Am
expecting to lodge at Smith’s; Room at the office, and
board in another place. If I did not dread it I would set
myself to get Married — But I have not courage sufficient.
How vain is life, Here am I after having once had a wife
& family, the owner of a House and Real estate, far and
near, like a very Slave seeking up and down the streets
for a Room to sleep in. But yet I live easy, much too easy
— I ought to have cares and labour.

But I am reduced to the same situation I was in Ten
years ago — Oh that I were sixteen years of age, it appears
to me that by labour I might accomplish great things — *
But soon I shall be too old to get a Name, and I have

•He was born in 17S7.

ill ■ i: ■ < '(•': If. 3r > abctf Jcrfl I r > " *

[ lS2I ]

neglected it hitherto. Well it is of small importance. A
Year, a Month, a day, may make us all equal. There was
a fellow student with me — His education was but indif¬
ferent. But his mind was strong, and he excelled in what
was droll or odd — His person was ugly — He was in his
dress a perfect Sloven — And it was his delight, at that
time, to sit, and while away an evening discanting on his
own deformity, while every few Moments he would be in¬
terrupted by the obstreperous laughter of his fellow Stu¬
dents. We were then reading law — and I considered
myself at that time, as possessing every advantage over H
in point of education, reading, and so forth. But I looked
to my own estate for a support and livelihood, and H de¬
pended on himself. I neglected my law books, read his¬
tory and so forth, and neither thought or cared much for
the practice of law, fame or Honour — H commenc’d
business in his profession industriously and with some suc¬
cess, but he was too crude to become illustrious there. He
had too Many distinguished, ambitious Competitors whose
opportunities far surpassed his own, to ascend to the first
rank in his profession — He seem’d after a short struggle
to perceive the disadvantages under which he labour'd,
But his Ambition was Not dampen’d. He sought and
found popularity in a different field. His talents were
better adapted to gain attention in a popular assembly than
at the bar. He perceiv’d where his powers lay. He sum¬
mon’d them all to his aid. He became a violent Partisan;
his Wit 6c Humour, and coarse but popular eloquence soon
attracted attention, and He was at a very early age pro¬
moted to the first offices in the gift of the State. He seem'd
gratified by his brilliant course. He seem’d to look for¬
ward with a sure expectation that his power was permanent,
and that he would soon acquire wealth. His brilliant
course which resembled the path of a shooting Star was
a Reproach to my indolence, and I reflected with myself
that while I was in obscurity, that H with far less oppor-

[1821]

tunity and advantage, had climbed to the pinnacle of fame
— I knew indeed, that he had been loud on subjects that he
car’d Nothing about, that he had supported a party whose
principles and followers he despis'd. But yet he had at¬
tained his object, and he seem’d happy — His whole Mind
and Soul were engag'd in the cause to which he Ow'd his
exaltation. He had hitherto in the pursuit of popularity
Neglected his property and had been Negligent of his Af¬
fairs and fortune. But he appear'd to have attain'd a fond¬
ness for the lady. She had determin'd to resist his ad¬
dresses. His wealth was almost the only quality, which he
possess'd, that could be acceptable to a lady — He was in
his Manners cold, distant, suspicious. His disposition was
Mean, contracted and avaricious, and his soul was form’d
upon the most narrow scale. Her Parents as is usual in
such cases but too frequently, were so blinded by the wealth
of the suitor, as to perceive None of his defects — And
were incessant in their importunities, that she should con¬
sent to Marry a lover who possess’d so great a portion of
what appears to be thought the only thing valuable in
Life. Her resistance was firm but respectful — and it is
probable that the wealth of the lover and the persuasions
of the Parents would have been equally unavailing had not
an event hitherto unexpected occured- — Fortune by one
of those vicissitudes by which for the last few years, she
has seemed to be benighted, swept from the Father of the
lady all his estate. She could not resist longer the en¬
treaties of Parents involv’d in distress. She was an onlv

Child, and she yielded herself a sacrifice to the plea of
doating parents. She was married to a Plusband who re¬
ceiv'd her with emotions very similar to those with which
he would have receiv’d the avails of a good bargain in
the way of Merchandize. He was pleas’d with possessing
Beauty; he was gratified with having carried his point, But
he was incapable of relishing any of the beauties of her
Mind. Flis Society could not be interesting to any one.

ni nisgifid boos £ \o alievs adl b'viaw aved bluow ad

[/<y*?/]

His sordid Soul was occupied wholly with the idea of add¬
ing to and increasing his extended possessions, and his
surly Mind neither had the power or the Wish to render
the domestic fireside pleasant. This fair and accomplish'd
lady endeavour'd to find some consolation for the loss of
domestic enjoyment in the Society of persons whose Mind
and Taste resembled her own — She was receiv’d with that
satisfaction which an Union of Beauty and Genius will
ever find. She was admir'd 6c commended, and was not
insensible of the admiration she receiv'd. But all these
kind attentions were daggers to the Soul of the contracted
& Mean Husband. Jealousy took possession of his cruel
and suspicious Mind. She could Not purchase a new Rib¬
bon but his sordid avarice would vent itself in the Most
Abusive Reproaches upon the admir'd and beauteous Wife.
He could Not endure that she should have any desire to
please any other person than himself — and his jealousy
led him to suppose that the offerings which were Made at
the Shrine of her Beauty and Genius were Attacks upon his
Honour. The expense of her dress, which somewhat com¬
ported with his situation, prayed upon his grovelling and
avaricious Soul — I relate it as I verily believe it to be
true although I know there are different opinions, and he
was determin’d to relieve his feeling by a dreadful, revenge
on the object who had elicited his rage — she was innocent
as she was Lovely, but she could Not confine herself wholly
to the Society of a querulous and brutish husband — and
she would sometimes endeavour to relieve the Tedium of
life by accepting the invitations of the Numerous friends
she had made — to a family visit — Among other friend¬
ships which she had contracted was that of a respectable
Young family, who were Noted for their domestic tran¬
quility happiness and Hospitality. But the husband was
too much provoked with all who shew’d his wife Attentions
to continue any friendly intercourse with them, it became
Necessary therefore that the Husband of the family where

7 o

3 Vi i3fi)o * nornA- - )iiiv ^iim r» of- — oucm >ui\ roAz

this friendship was contracted should see the lady Home
from these visits. The Rage and Jealousy of the Maddened
Husband Now found an opportunity to gratify its Malice.
He issued an Attachment Against the Man who had per¬
form’d these friendly offices from the purest Motives, which
cover’d all his estate. He charg'd him with the Seduction
of his Wife. Astonishment was excited in the Minds of
All — Wealth was Not wanting on the part of the Pff to
prepare his suit — Industry and perseverance were Able
to procure the testimony of a Servant Maid who had been
turned off on account of Misconduct, and three or four
persons in low life of dissipated habits, to circumstances
which convinc’d a Jury of the Guilt of the Defendant, and
of course of the Wife. Although None of them dar’d
testify to the facts charg’d in the declaration, the Def. was
obliged to fly his Country. The Jury gave against him a
Verdict for $5000 and an enormous bill of costs in favour
of the Pff. The beautiful Wife 6c infant Children of the
Def. were left poor and forlorn — and were oblig’d to re¬
turn to a widow'd Mother in humble circumstances for
subsistance. The once lovely but Now dejected and perse¬
cuted wife of the Pff. return'd to those only who would
afford her protection, her unhappy parents. They had be¬
gun to lament the unhappy lot of their daughter soon after
her Marriage — and their Anguish was Much quicken’d
by the consideration that they had been the cause of seal¬
ing her unhappy fate. But they were Not prepar’d for so
severe a trial — and in their first paroxisms of Anguish,
they had nearly sunk into despair. But the example of the
daughter recover'd the almost deceas’d parents. She was
Mild and submissive to her cruel fate. Having found No
consolation in virtue and innocence on earth — She Repos’d
confidence only in that awful and dread Tribunal whose
judgments are just and whose vengeance will surely over¬
take the Wicked. Her Parents consider’d her Abused but
Not degraded — and in their Society she found that tender-

; n •: bir,qjiq JoVI ersw *pdt lutf .oJe {qqcdnu rid ^ai

•iisqg)b oJni ; aua ^iiwn bsri (oril
Iwn lod 01 dvittirndu* ban bI:M

[/&?/]

ness due to her sufferings and her wrongs. She had been
thoughtful and serious before but had never made a pro¬
fession of religion. She now determin'd to give the pledge
of the faith and Christian character which she had for a
long time by her works and conversation Maintain’d — be¬
fore partaking of the Symbols of a Savious death, she said
she desir’d to state and to confess that she had been guilty
of Many and grievous Sins, which Nought but the blood
of a dying Saviour could wash away — But she said that
she improv’d that opportunity to declare before God and
The Saviour whose death and sufferings she was about to
commemorate — That she was innocent of the crime which
had been imputed to her and which had spread so much
unhappiness around — She said she forgave her enemies
and pray’d that God Might turn their hearts — Pier
thoughts have Appear’d since to be plac’d exclusively on
that Haven Where the Wicked cease from Troubling —
and the weary find rest. Although the jealous Avaricious
Husband has added to his estate and reduc’d his expenses,
He is shunned by Mankind as though he were infected —
And although his soul is somewhat sooth’d at beholding
the distress and despair he has spread about him — yet his
sordid and contracted Mind is a stranger to the composure
of the persecuted object of his jealousy — He is rack’d with
Madness & hate at the Neglect and contempt which he
finds, while she is calm, relying on Heaven the Justifier
of innocence —

Saturday November 10th 1821

Return’d on Thursday last from New York where I had
been about for some time. Have been to Philadelphia,
Seen the Academy of Arts, Mr. Peak’s Museum, Mr.
West’s Pictures, The Dinner Party and so forth, have re¬
turn’d and commenc’d board yesterday in my own House
with Mr. Holcomb. A Hard head ache and Cold. If I
were worth $100,000 — I should be pleas'd to live in a
populous Town — But, should probably be No better off in

[1821]

situation or any other respect than I now am — The most
obnoxious thing in the Country to me is the low ambition,
Malice & Envy which prevail there, uncultivated minds
have no external or internal resources, so they examine the
faults 6c foibles of their Neighbors — which destroys and
breaks down all enjoyment and happiness — besides, there
are little jealousies of ecclesiastical societies.

Saturday Dec. ist 1821

It has snow'd for the last day and a half. For a few
days past I have read Dwight's History of New Eng¬
land, it consists of travels and remarks as he is passing
and promises to be a useful work, it has nevertheless
what I esteem faults, our ancestors I do not believe pos¬
sess’d all the humble, meek and Christian spirit which he
ascribed to them, whatever I have learnt of them from
books, in tradition, or from observation on the manners
and customs which they may be suppos'd to have trans¬
mitted has induc’d me to believe, that what has been so
often ascrib’d to them as piety was in a great measure
bigotry & asperity — that they had but a small portion
of the humility, meekness and brotherly love of him whose
precepts they profess to follow — for although externally
they regarded some of the divine precepts in a very literal
sense, yet that they persecuted 6c oppress'd to their utmost
power all who differ'd from them in religious sentiment is
an undeniable fact, and that there is a strong disposition
among their descendants who retain their Puritan prin¬
ciples to exclude from all political power those of adverse
religious sentiment or at least that such is the fact in this
part of New England, must be obvious to every disinter¬
ested observer. The manners and Customs and Sentiments
of our forefathers were very similar to those of the Scotch
— in a manner 6c degree somewhat surprizing, considering
that they were Englishmen. I never could account for it
on any other ground than that they were Fellow Soldiers
and of the same Political 6c religious creed in their opposi-

?a 3 niinog iuoijji 31 i < ad* rno 1 ic * b < 1 r(V

[. 1 8 22 ]

tion to and destruction of Charles ist. Certain it is that
this resemblance is very strong in every variety of shade
that is expos'd to view. Children designated their parents
by the same names in both Countries; there was the same
Canting and holy pretensions in both countries, in little
Chicaneing Bargain Making — The same Religious
observances of Holy days, and I have no doubt, but that
our Ancestors would, with the Scotch, have deliver'd
up the Unhappy Charles to his Murderers, had he sought
a refuge in our Country among the first Settlers as he did
in theirs from his Persecutors, provided they could have
obtain’d the same reward — they would have doubtless
introduced some Puritanic Maxim, or prefac'd the act with
some distorted text of Scripture. But that they were
bigolted, avaricious and inhuman, are facts so Notorious
that a person must be blinded with all the prejudices of
Dr. Dwight not to perceive it. I do not make these remarks
because I suppose the first Settlers of this Country were of
a character different from those of the same rank and sta¬
tion in other Countries at that time. Many of them brought
with them all the Hypocrisy incident to the Parliamentary
troops of O. Cromwell, they had been educated in a Coun¬
try where Religious or Political toleration were Not then
very considerably understood, and they were similar to
other people of the Age in which they liv'd, but to talk
of their piety & virtues is to talk of what scarcely existed
in that day and generation. Dr. Dwight was a man of
extensive knowledge & information and as is usual in such
cases, had strong and immovable prejudices, he never saw
many virtues in a political opponent, he has in his first
volume given the character of many distinguish’d persons,
and no doubt with great propriety, but it is believ’d that
he has pass’d some no less worthy without Notice.

April 8th 1822

The County Court is in session and I somewhat expect
to try a case tomorrow, but hope it will be settled. I

j;.n! aid ni *Eii s>d .irraooqqo Cs-»tiiIoq 8 nr wutriv /nem

I .balJJM ad Hiw ii aqori Jud .v/onornoi 3280 b qi) ol

[IS 22]

remain the same, board in my own house with Mr. H., and
doubt whether I ever Marry. The first Monday of April
inst. 1 was again elected a member of the Legislature. I
think my enemies as well as friends will say that it was
without any exertion on my part, or any attempt to influ¬
ence, it is a situation I do not and have never very much
coveted in this place, because I know there are a few per¬
sons here who are as destitute of anything like religious
principle as they are of common honesty, who endeavour
to give a Society prejudice to everthing, and although some
of the P Society voted for me last Spring, yet the Cry
this season is that Religion is in danger, an Episcopalian
has been twice elected a member of the Gen. Assembly —
Facts will evince the justice of these men — there have
been 16 Elections since I have liv'd in this Town, 12 of
which have been from the Presbyterian Society — But yet
people who have but one eye cannot sec both sides of a
question, for myself I can clearly say that I do not wish
to sec persons elected to Office who electioneer for them¬
selves or who endeavor to evade the provisions in the Con¬
stitution of the State for the purpose of obtaining it. I
will never unless I alter my mind be in the same situation
another Season as I have been the present, I will not be
drawn into a Party when interested and dishonest persons
from selfish Motives can give it the appearance of a re¬
ligious division of sentiment. Zimmerman on religious
bigotry ought to be read by certain persons in this place
every morning before Prayers, it would be a blessed thing
if their minds could be enlighten'd on that subject — and a
great benefit to our Society. Prejudice & Bigotry of this
description arise from a Narrowness of intellect, and from
a want of acquaintance with human Nature. Persons of
limited understanding instead of searching the true road to
heaven for themselves according as it is pointed out by the
divine precepts, are very liable to be occupied in present¬
ing obstacles in the way of their Neighbours, and in con¬
sequence of judging men rather by what they have said of

[/fe2]

them than by observing & scanning their Conduct, are very
apt to imagine and conclude that the road to Heaven is
found in persecuting those of a different faith — A relic of
the 14th Century — A Concomitant of Ignorance and Mean¬
ness, which disturbs the harmony of Neighbourhoods, and
degrades & belittles the character of those in whom it is
found.

Tuesday June 4th A D 1822

I return'd on Friday last from the Gen'l. Assembly
where I had been absent four and a half weeks as a mem¬
ber of that body, and where I never wish again to go on
the same errand. There have been two Canal Companies
& two Banks incorporated. There has been a Retaliatory
act pass'd Vs. the N York Steam Boat Co. which will for
a time prevent the run of the Steam Boats, and a great
many New Statutes. I have enjoy'd myself tolerably ex¬
cept that I have been harrass'd by some people at home
about little petty offices, the Scum of Society is always in
a ferment about its Honours. I have avoided as much as
possible all Controversy of this kind. If the people want
little offices who are themselves little they must apply to
persons of their own stamp to procure them of which Class
& description, there are enough in all conscience among us.
I have felt lonely — very lonely — since my return. I can¬
not live in this place, if I could sell my property I would
say, I would not. There is No Society here except such
as possess entire different views of things from myself —
I never can enjoy it. I wish to remove where I can build
up a new Class of friends, form new Connections and for¬
get some that are old — But doubt if I ever shall.

Wednesday June 5th AD 1822

Head ache — Cold — dull. I am annually expending
considerable Money in making repairs about my House &
place. I have now Joiners making a garden Fence, have
had men at work at Stone wall. And in one way & another
am constantly taking up considerable Money — I am fond

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f.'

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g,. :i • ■ ~

«T— — - ^ _Ji rv - - - '

Library at the “ Maples ” , IV atertown

[1822]

of repairing & am Not fond of having much trouble about
it myself — hence expense. I am fond of purchasing New
Cloathes, and am Not fond of taking much Care of them
afterward, so that my Garments are usually new, the same
in quality at all times except immediately after a new pur¬
chase. The annual expense of my Wardrobe at a rough
estimate I should call $200, and yet I never dress extrava¬
gantly.

The journal ended when Holbrook Curtis married
Elizabeth Payne Edmond, 1822. It was said that after
the wedding he took her on horseback to Watertown seated
on a pillion behind him, dressed in a purple velvet gown
with a panama “ flat ” on her head. My mother said the
flapping of the brim gave her facial neuralgia which con¬
tinued through life. My grandmother was very handsome,
tall and dark with delicate features and high color. My
grandfather Curtis was also tall but fair with blue eyes.
Both shared a taste for reading and grandfather had a
keen sense of humor, but grandmother none at all. She
was carefully educated, knew Greek, Latin and French and
wrote much poetry. Unfortunately they had no con¬
genial neighbors in Watertown and her life was not a
happy one. My father was born in 1823. Another boy,
Henry, a year later, and about 1827 a little girl, Elizabeth
Payne. These two children died and my grandmother
never seemed to forget her sorrow at losing them. She
cherished every letter from her father and from her rela¬
tives at Newtown, and as they explain themselves I will
add them here with no other remarks until my Father
begins his journal in 1840.

. •• ; 1 1 ■'/ ! 1' 1:' f '

• ' -

[18231

Newtown, June 4th 1823.

Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis,

Watertown,

Count.

Dear Daughter:

An opportunity offering for conveyance as I am in¬
formed, tomorrow, I improve the leisure this evening
affords to inform you, that through the goodness of a kind
providence we enjoy usual health. For this favor we can¬
not be too grateful, perhaps the recent instances of mor¬
tality among our neighbors has had some effect in impress¬
ing our minds with an idea of our continual dependence for
life & Health & every blessing we enjoy. You have Doubt¬
less heard of the fall of Colo. Shepards family, himself &
wife have both been withdrawn from a troublesome world
to that world where a the wicked cease from troubling & the
weary are at rest.” Their Daughter Miss Sophia as it is
thought by many will soon follow her parents, she has a
violent cough, is extremely feeble & threatened with a
speedy decline. Horace does not return to College. Hungry
Creditors have seized on the property. Capt. Lamson
Birches wife died suddenly much in the same manner that
her brother Doctr. N. Perry died. Daniel Perry died in
3. fit. It is reported that Abel Botsford, Esqr. is about to
return to Newtown to live, his wife is in a poor state of
health.

Master Robert returned to Newtown this dav, he in-
tended to have made you a visit during the Vacation, but
the want of a horse and other circumstances rendered it
inconvenient. William continues in his School. For my¬
self I labor as usual, hard work with little profit; after
much hesitation I concluded to have my house painted,
the workman has been over it once & we are literally en¬
veloped in oil. I shall rejoice when that business is com¬
pleted. Your Ma says she has sent you a small bundle by

Ii823\

Phebe & sends her love along with it. She has carried
your yarn to Britain to Cousin Mollie Tulley. You have
right therefore to expect it will be wove in the Course of
the summer. Col° Starr's family are well, so was brother
David’s at Virginia a short time since. One of his sons is
in College, another with a Merchant in the Country. By
the time you have worried over this several hours I think
you will be tired. I hasten therefore to relieve your patience
by only adding my best respects to your husband and that
I am, with my best wishes for the health & happiness &
prosperity of you both,

Your affectionate father

William Edmond

N.B. Your Ma wishes me to remind you of your promise
to make us a visit shortly, also that you will present her
love to Mr. Curtis. I shall be happy to see you both when¬
ever you can make it convenient to come. W.E.

7 o’Clock A.M.

Newtown, Sepr. 1 8th AD. 1823.
Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis,

Watertown, Count.

Dear Daughter,

When you perceive how many of the family I send
as carriers of this letter, you will perhaps imagine the next
load will bring us all on your hands, you need not however
be alarmed for my old complaint the rheumatism or cramp
or whatever it may be called & your Mas infirmities with
which you are acquainted, will operate as a bar, as your
husband being a lawyer might call it, for the present, how¬
ever ardent our wishes may be to see you both in your own
habitation. I have not yet had leisure to read many of the
books Mr. Curtis was so kind as to send me & for the same

■

;

rinnlr, sd

iiSzs]

reason I chuse rather to ascribe it to that rather than to in¬
dolence or inattention or want of gratitude that I have not
before acknowledged the favour under hand & seal, I shall
not & would not if 1 had time this morning attempt to
amuse you with the passing events of the day in New¬
town. Sarah &c can tell & will be pleased to tell you all
they know which undoubtedly is much more than has come
to my knowledge. Accept this as a simple token of remem¬
brance, and an assurance that however negligent I may
be in little attentions, or even the ordinary civilities of life
both yourself & Mr. Curtis have my increasing prayers
for your peace, health, prosperity and happiness both here
& hereafter. Thank Mr. Curtis for the letter he sent me,
it gave me much pleasure & believe me, every appearance
to the contrary, notwithstanding, yours & his with esteem,
affection.

William Edmond

Mr. Holbrook Curtis,
Watertown,
Connt.

per favor of Mr. Peck
Dear Sir:

Newtown, October n, 1823.

12 o’clock

Your favor of the 30th announcing the birth of a son
attended with such favourable circumstances, relieved us
not only from a degree of solicitude we could not fail to
feel, but afforded a pleasure to our family not easy to
express. Permit us to congratulate yourself and Elizabeth
on the occasion. That the child may enjoy health, increase
in stature, live Jong & prove a blessing to his Parents, his
friends & society is our unanimous wish. I can discover
nothing in your letter to discourage the hope that this wish

[r 823]

may one day be realized unless indeed it is the intimation
of the Physician that the child's countenance has a re¬
semblance to his Grandfather's, but whatever his looks may
indicate I hope he is born to a better fortune. Give her
Ma’s & my love to Elizabeth 6c tell her in our opinion
her obligation to be prudent in respect to her health has
become more imperative than ever 6c we hope she will not
lose sight of it for a moment, with best wishes for the
health 6c happiness of your whole family I remain, Sir,
affectionately yours,

William Edmond
P. S. Tell Elizh Sunday was my birthday Aet. 68.

Newtown, October 226 A. D. 1823.

Holbrook Curtis, Esqr.

Watertown,

Coxnt.

Dear Sir:

Your favor of the 21st instant came to hand this after¬
noon and verified my apprehension, that the continuance
of Elizabeth’s illness was the reason why her Ma did not
return last week, we had flattered ourselves however that
she might be so far recovered as to permit of her return this
day, but Providence it seems for wise purposes no doubt
has ordered it otherwise. If to pity Elizabeth under her
affliction would alleviate her pain or shorten the period
of its duration, she might confidently hope for speedy re¬
lief. But as it can do neither we are at a loss what con¬
solation to offer. I could tell her indeed that time 6c pa¬
tience 6c prudence will sometimes almost work miracles,
and add a number of other trite observations, but I know

from experience how insignificant they appear to a person
•

in actual distress. If her fever is only the result of the
inflamation you mention, it will subside very soon when the

miinoo orii Jsn ’ 1 : Ym bns noon

-no:> ifidv/ g$ol n )fi 3ifi i^fLisfl ob aeo li lu * -1

*£q 3mil ifiriJ boobni isrl IbJ bluc>3 I .13^0 o) noilclo?

[i 824}

crisis to which her complaint must necessarily come is
past. I am glad her Mother is with her & to hear that
she with yourself enjoys health. Mrs. E. need give her¬
self no uneasiness on account of affairs at home, while her
assistance is useful <Sc needed where she is, we all enjoy usual
health. Col°. Starr was here this afternoon, his family
are well, he will speak to Mr. Knox tomorrow to carry
Robert with him to N. Haven on fridav. We shall have

him equipped and ready by that time. Ann sends her love
to all. Consider this if you please a hasty family letter and
be assured of my best wishes for yourself, Elizabeth & Son
together with Mrs. E.

William Edmond.
Newtown, Jany 8th 1824.

Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis,

Watertown,

Con nt.

Dear Daughter,

I expect William P. Edmond will be the bearer of
this who can inform you whatever you may consider inter¬
esting in respect to us all, shall therefore omit any descrip¬
tion of that state of health &c which under the care of a
kind providence we enjoy. Your letter to Ann M. was
the only information in respect to the health of yourself
& family to be relied on which we had received in four
or five weeks & came with additional pleasure as it was
evidence of your convalescence under your own hand. The
increase of my name sake in weight shows that he en¬
deavours to alleviate his misfortune in being deprived of
the natural resources of gentlemen of his age, by a proper
devotion to his bottle, to a devotion of that sort I have no
serious objection provided his affection for the bottle is
restricted to the milk it may contain. I forward Mr. Cur-

ariT .bncrf nv/o io»y iabnu a®irrM»l»vn03 iuo< io aombiva

[Jfej]

tis’ Books, thank him for the use &c. am stopped this
moment by the arrival of the mail & cut short in my in¬
tention of filling a page. Love to Mr. Curtis & friends,

Yours affectionately

Win. Edmond.

My Grandmother’s second son, Henry H. Curtis was
born October 1 8th, 1824; died at the age of twelve, August
2 1 st, 1836. My brother Dr. Holbrook Curtis was named
both for him and for my Grandfather.

Newtown, October 12th A. D. 1825.

Holbrook Curtis, Esqr.

Watertown,

Con nt.

Dear Sir:

The report you recd of my misfortune is not entirely
groundless, bringing a saddle downstairs my foot slipped,
a severe fall followed, this happened the 29th of Septr. ult.
— since that time I have been exercised with constant pain
& spasms in my right knee & thigh and am not without seri¬
ous apprehension myself that the neck near the head of the
thigh bone is fractured, this opinion seems strengthened
by the fact that after a lapse of fourteen days I cannot
bend so as to sit upright in the bed and at this moment
am lying at full length on my back while attempting to
write. Doctors Lacy, Judson & Booth however incline to
the opinion that the bone is not broken. I regret that you
or Elizabeth should have experienced any uneasiness on my
account, it can alleviate none of my pains. Your own have
been sufficient. That Henry is recovering affords me much
pleasure. I intended by this time to have been at your
house & witness for myself the improvement of the children.
It was otherwise ordered & it only remains for me to sub-

■

{IS 2 5]

mit. As to my bank stock I know nothing but by report
$2000 would be a heavy loss to me where my whole estate
amounts to so little. I have not however idolized property
so much as to suffer the subject to trouble to any great
extent. In fact I consider my own troubles as compara¬
tively light. The Angel of destruction is abroad among
us, enters almost every House and Death drags his victims
from almost every Door in our neighborhood as the fol¬
lowing melancholy list will evince to which many other
names might be added.

Deaths

Capt. Austin Booth
Anne, wife of Dan Baldwin
Dan1 Baldwin

A Student at Judge Blackmans
Booth Glovers oldest child
Herman Warner's child
Nath1 Mallery at the old Church'

Birdsey Glover

Elijah, son of Widow D. Nichols
Austin Beers, &c.

Miss Anna daughter of Caleb Baldwin
supposed cannot continue.

Booth Glover, his case considered desperate.

I do not pretend to enumerate all the sick.

Mrs. Edmond & myself think it would be presumptious
for you or Mrs. Curtis to think of coming to Newtown at
present & beg you will be contented at home until the sick¬
ness subsides — with sentiments of respect &: esteem yours

William Edmond

Mrs. E. desires to be remembered to you all.

aornls moil

Newtown October 25th 1825.

Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis
Watertown
Ct.

Care Holbrook Curtis Esq.

Dear Sister. I have thought it my duty to write you
a few lines from which you will learn that my father’s
health is no better than when he wrote. From his cheer¬
fulness soon after his unfortunate accident we were led to
believe that its consequences might not prove as serious as
he at first apprehended. The irksomeness of confinement
together with the excruciating pain he has undergone have
(in my opinion at least) materially affected not only his
spirits but his health. I would not have you suppose how¬
ever that we consider him in immediate danger. My
father & Mother thought it was best not to write to you
this morning fearing that you might be too much alarmed
but I have ventured to do it without their knowledge. The
fever which has prevailed here this summer has somewhat
abated. The last deaths were B . . n & Squire Dibbly.

Remember me to Mr. Curtis & assure him that his kind¬
ness to me last Summer will never be forgotten.

By your Brother

Wm P. Edmond

We should be happy to hear from you, How do your
children do? Kiss the little urchins for me.

Newtown, Deer. 1st 1825.

Dear Sir:

I have been hesitating this half hour, whether to at¬
tempt writing at all. The reason is I have little if anything
for the subject of a letter except my poor self and am sure
a relation of my sufferings whatever they may be can
afford no pleasure to my friends, let me tell you then as

■

[1826]

briefly as may be that although the covering to my bones
is considerably wasted I think myself better than when
3rou were here, my spasms tho violent are less constant. I
can get out of bed with help & sit while it is making, my
appetite is good & I enjoy more sleep, add to this al¬
though this is the Sixty-second day my patience is not en¬
tirely exhausted. This is the bright side of the picture,
the reverse you will readily conjecture, when I tell you I
cannot sit upright in the bed, have command of the lame
leg only by applying the hands of myself or another with¬
out the least aid from the muscles or tendons — my family
are as usual making the necessary allowance for the ad¬
ditional fatigue and trouble my infirmities cannot fail to
occasion. We heard with pleasure how you all did by
Mrs. C. Chapman <5c yesterday by the post, the improve¬
ment of Master Henry gives, as it must yourself & Eliza¬
beth, much pleasure. I did not expect to hear of his pedes¬
trian feats so soon. William we know has long been a
peripatitic & we hope he will soon become a philosopher.
I stop here as the mail has past while I have been scribbling.

January 2d A. D. 1826.

Holbrook Curtis, Esqr.

Watertown,

Connect.

Dear Daughter:

I should have acknoledged the- rec* of your last which
afforded us much pleasure, but did not receive it until
eleven o'clock in the evening & was forced to await an
answer for the commencement of another year, a year that
we sincerely hope will, as well as many years yet to come,
be productive of much happiness to yourself, Mr. Curtis
and the little ones. I think you will be reconciled to your
disappointment in not sooner receiving an answer when
you perceive how barren the present is of anything calcu-

:«iTHau/-U aAafl

[1826]

latcd to inform the understanding, amuse the fancy, or im¬
prove the heart. I might plead as an apology for not doing
better my situation which has varied very little from what
it was when you were here, but I have another directly to
the purpose which I think irresistible. The winter of age.
The prime of life has its trials, often severe, but there
generally is something to lighten the burden, to operate
as an offset a rational hope that a little time may bring
happier days & brighter prospects. Not so with old age!
I speak merely with respect to the enjoyments of the
present life — just look at an old man — it is worth while.
I hope you will see many years <5c when old age arrives
I could not have you taken by surprise with feeble & totter¬
ing steps (if he can step at all) for music he has no ear —
for beauty he has no eye, for food, no relish — your
imagination will readily fill up the portrait & when finished
add perhaps — here indeed is the shadow, but where is the
substance? Here is the garrulity of age but where is the
“ unbounded mind ” that once inhabited this frail tenement.
To this dull gloomy page I ought perhaps to add “ This
world a dream accomplished ”, &c.

January 3d 1826.

Thanksgiving day here passed by without any remark¬
able occurence. There was an illumination of the Church
on Christmas as usual, how far the audience were enlight¬
ened is not for me to say!

Connecticut Thanksgiving came in the month of Janu¬
ary.

Between 1826 and the next letter of 1833 mY grand¬
mother lost her little girl and also her brother, William
Payne Edmond, and there were various letters of condol¬
ence. She was taken up with the education of the boys and
went away very little. My grandfather was frequently at
Court and in the legislature at Hartford.

■

. . • I-! '

, >' ).

■

[1833']

This poem was written when she was feeling her loss
and has all the characteristics of American verses of that
day —

Counsels.

Though bright thy morn of life may seem
Remember clouds may rise;

And trust not to the transient gleam
Of calm and smiling skies.

So tread life’s path in sunshine drest,

With lowly cautious fear;

That when griefs shadows o’er it rest,

Its memory may be dear.

If dark life’s matin hours may be
Despond not at their gloom;

Joy’s cloudless sun may rise for thee
And hope's bright flowers bloom.

So trace thy pathway thorn bestrewed,

That thou in happier hours,

With pure and pangless gratitude
May’st bless its fragrant flowers.

Through clouds and sunshine flower and thorn
Pursue thy even way,

Nor let thy better hopes be born
Of things that must decay.

Rejoice with trembling, mourn with hope
Take life as life is given;

Its rough ascent, its flowery slope,

May lead alike to Heaven.

Elizabeth Curtis,
1830.

Newtown, July 5th 1833.

Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis,

Watertown.

Dear Elizabeth:

I avail myself of an opportunity by Mr. Chester Dutton
to say your mother’s health is apparently much the same

,Y*rw nova yHj su«iu4

,»qofc -n^Troft w ftnjtu rlaooi Hi

Ii833\

as when you were here. It has varied from time to time
with changes of the weather, with colds, &c. but seems
after all to assume no fixed character of debilitation or
amendment, her debility continues, and the swelling of
the limbs, tho somewhat abated. After Mr. Curtis had
returned from Hartford & had arranged his business she
flattered herself that you would make us a visit & often
expresses her wish to see you & it would be pleasing to
us all if you would make us a visit without a sacrifice of
business & convenience.

Enclosed is a sample of bombazine. Your Mother pur¬
chased a yard like it at Watertown, another yard is want¬
ing similar to the sample, we have nothing in our stores
here, that will compare. If you have anything at your
Watertown stores that will match by obtaining & forward¬
ing one yard of it by Mr. Fenn you will confer a favour
on your sister. Robert was well on 15th June, his business
increasing. You will perceive by what is written the dif¬
ficulty with which I write, was it not for this I might
send you a long talk on the doings here of yesterday &
today by way of celebrating not the 4th of July, but a
great personage now on his tour of observation called &
known by the name of And^ Jackson, (sarcasm) Doctr.
Booth’s family are well. My respects to Mr. Curtis &
Children.

Yours affectionately

William Edmond

(From Dr. Robert Edmond, Mrs. Holbrook Curtis’
brother.)

New Lots December 3rd 1833.

Mr. Holbrook Curtis

Watertown, Connecticut.

My dear Sir

Your -favor of the 23 ultimo arrived last evening after
a detention of some days in the office, occasioned by not

'■

(.larfioid

[1^33]

having visited Brooklyn for sometime past. Immediately
after your departure we commenced our journey, and
reached Bedford early in the evening, a large party had
assembled at Judge Jays to welcome us, among whom were
a few acquaintances of my Father. After partaking of a
supper which would have satisfied the most fastidious epi¬
cure, and spending the night, we proceeded to Greenwich
and the following morning took the Steamboat at Sawpits
for New York where we arrived at four O'clock, and in
one hour more reached home in safety, when I ascertained
that the calls for Professional Services had been extremely
limited during my absence.

Bucephalus bore the jaunt better than I had antici¬
pated I was induced to take the Boat, fearful that his
appearance might cause some one else to reprove me al¬
though he could not. Immediately after our return Mary
visited New York to obtain Elizabeth's bonnet, not finding
one ready made to suit her fancy, we were obliged to wait
some days. More than a fortnight has now elapsed since
I forwarded it by the Steamboat West Chester command¬
ed by Capt Brooks, addressed to Father at Newtown at
the same time I forwarded a line bv mail to him relative

to it. I have not received at the present time any answer.
I called at Mr Armitages ten days ago but did not see
Elizabeth ( Elizabeth Armitage, his niece). I intend visit¬
ing New York tomorrow and shall call to see her. Eliza¬
beth will find a note from Mary in the Band box upon its
arrival, if it has not arrived at the receipt of this, please
write again and 1 will see Capt. Brooks on the subject.

Fortunes continue to be made in land speculation, the
purchaser of Parmentiers garden has realized twenty thou¬
sand dollars from his purchase, by dividing it into lots,
some estates which ten years since would not command a
ten thousand are now worth — fifty thousand dollars.

The past month as in former years has afforded much
leisure and has been spent in reading, writing and in ar-

,rf, .nouBlmoq? bnd ni aba* ad ol tunkaoo

US 3 3]

ranging matters for the winter. As Mary intends writing
a few lines I will not trespass any farther. Please re¬
member me to Elizabeth, William, Henry and believe
me yours with affection

R Edmond

Dec 3d 1833.

My dear Sister,

I was exceedingly disappointed, and sorry to learn,
through Mr. Curtis’ letter to the Doctor, that the Bandbox
containing your Hat, had not been received and hope you
have not attributed it to any negligence on my part. I
know from experience how difficult it is to get anything in
the Country, and therefore ordered one to be made soon.

I have been much occupied since I left you, in making
preparations for the Winter, as making Carpets, Yalens,
spread, sheets, pillow-cases &c. — our room is a front one,
on the first story, and is now neatly, and comfortably fur¬
nished, and assumes quite a respectable appearance, for you
must know, that we call it a Bedroom, or a Parlour, which¬
ever we fancy or both united in one.

I have received but a few visits, or rather calls, since
my abode here — the New Lots people I understand, are
not particularly sociable — the remark which you made in
reference to sociability in your neighborhood is applicable
to this — my time, and attention, however, have been so
fully employed, and the Dr. so agreeable, that I do not in
the least feel the want of society. It would give me great
pleasure to receive a letter from you & learn how you all
do, with my kind remembrances, to Mr. Curtis, I remain

your affectionate Sister, /

Mary L Edmond.

■

118351

Newtown May 27th 1835.

Holbrook Curtis, Esqr.

Watertown
Dear Sir:

In reply to your favor of yesterday announcing the
state of health in your family & We also, have not been
without our share of complaints, none however, that
amounted to actual confinement for any considerable length
of time. Ann has suffered the most of any of us & is still
rather confined. When Robert was last at home he gave
encouragement of seeing us together with Mary & Child
if convenient by the first of May. We of course have ex¬
pected them daily for four weeks past, but have heard
nothing from them by letter or otherwise and are entirely
at a loss how to account for our disappointment. We should
be pleased to have you take Newtown either going or re¬
turning or both in the way of your contemplated tour
to Brooklyn and hope the journey may be prosperous &
satisfactory to the health of you all. I have presented
your request in respect to Aunt Phebe's estate to Doctor
Booth & in your behalf requested his early attention to the
subject.

That the Legislature should be solicitous to create va¬
cancies is to me no way surprising. To create vacancies &
fill offices with party sycophants seems to be the rule of
action from the usurper in the Presidential chair down¬
ward to every class of his minions, cloathed with a little
brief authority. “When the political pot boils and the
scum rises to the top ” then may it be truly said “when
vice prevails and impious bear sway the post of honor
is a private station.”*

The simple admission & discussion of Wightmans reso¬
lution to instruct our Senator, in congress to erase their
own records is in my opinion a gross insult to their under-

• President Jackson’s administration.

k . <1 _ i , ii r S' *• i till

. . ‘ '

1 b JP»q 5(1* 'P-w v.9 1 ei'otqmi 1 )T ' v

[i 8 jo]

standing, a base 6c grovelling submission to the will of a
despot 6c a sacrifice, as far as it goes of the most valuable
trait in the Constitution, the independence of that Senate
which is the short Anchor of safety to the Small States.
Should the resolution be adopted Connecticut will then
have set her seal to the last grade of degradation.

Give my love to Elizabeth 6c sons

Yours 6cc.

Wm. Edmond.

.There were letters from Judge Edmond until a few days
before his death in 1838. Through age and infirmity his
life had narrowed down and although he retained a clear
judgment and interest in public affairs, they seem very much
alike. William Edmond Curtis was from now on the chief
interest in the lives of Holbrook and Elizabeth Curtis.

My father kept all of the letters which he received
while at school in Cheshire, and one from my grandfather
explained why he broke away from Yale and sent him to
Trinity, then Washington College. He thought that in
a small institution he would have more intercourse with
the faculty and that as his cousin, Mrs. Chapman, lived
in Hartford, she would be able to look after him if he
were sick. The journal now begins which covers the
years from 1840 to 1880.

JOURNAL OF WILLIAM EDMOND CURTIS.

Part /.

1840.

Second Term.
Freshman Year.

Jan. 3rd. Friday. With the beginning of .the New
Year, I begin the second term of my college life, wish¬
ing to keep watch of Old Time in his flight and at some

Washington (Trinity) College
Hartford —

| wm a eoos A tltadfixilH ot tkxI \ta jvIO HjjjjH

.omT bi '■ s’-9“o0 <v-JI,,nr) m‘*'" ?f'"

11840}

future period to review the past course of my life. I com¬
mence a labor which I trust to persevere in. Yesterday
in the severe cold, thermometer below o, I left home and
rode 30 miles to Hartford in the stage. During the journey
felt quite sick. Today I recommence my studies, taking
up Horace, Algebra and Greek majora .

Sat. We have had a holyday. Have read some old
newspapers but for the most part have trifled away the
day. I have resolved that in future I will remain more in
my room, devote more attention to my studies and over¬
come my so great fondness for the society of fellow students
which encroaches too much on the time I ought to devote
to my own improvement. Some feuds that existed dur¬
ing the last term I hope are ended through the old motto
“ forgive and forget/'

Jan. 5th. Sunday. Read 40 pages in Wayland's Political
Economy. In the afternoon attended divine worship in
the College Chapel, heard an excellent sermon from the
Rev. Dr. Totten. The weather though moderated today,
for the last 4 days has been colder than it has been known
to be for many years. ...

Mon. Been through the regular routine of college
duties very satisfactorily to myself. Have besides the regu¬
lar course of studies begun Homer's I lli ad of which I
have read 25 lines, not much hope of reading the 24 books,
but will try.

Tues. Passed the day as usual as to college duties.
Called in at Mrs. Hopkins a short time.

Wed. Rose in the morning with the headache, a pre¬
vailing epidemic especially in study hours which I think
Trumbull calls “ the student's sweet relief and excuse for
many a non paravi." I have never experienced the former
or made use of the latter, of these two redeeming qualities.
I have, notwithstanding, which word by the by is rather
a long one, jogged on very comfortably. I find the scan¬
ning of Horace scandalous. This is rather a poor pun,

• [1840]

but I think it is excusable since I never made one before,
although on reflection I expect to find it borrowed. Went
a skating today, drew a line with my body parallel to the
ice, think it is about time to leave off writing as well as
skating.

Thursday. No remarkable incidents have occurred.
Spent most of the evening down in the city loafing around,
went to the Whig reading room, pondered on the benevo¬
lence of the kind folk who fitted it up for the accommoda¬
tion of the loafers and boys I found there. I then walked
over to the Democrats one where I found no newspapers
since they would be of little use to the party. The room
was full of paintings which I suppose were intended to con¬
vey those ideas which they could not derive from the in¬
vention of Cadmus. . . .

Friday. Read some, studied ditto, worst of all sprained
my left wrist severely by a fall or rather by push down
whilst skating.

Sat. It has been one of those leisure days in which
we have the most to do. The forenoon was consumed in
the Society. The afternoon in “pottering” according to
the phraseology of the beautiful Miss Kemble. During
the afternoon one of those occurrences took place which
often happens in college life. A new student by the name
of Ogden has just now entered the partial course, he is
what is called a green horn although a very sensible fellow,
yet is so honest and has seen so little of the world* that
he fully believes everything that is told him. And there
are always some persons in college who will take advantage
of these things to play off tricks, he has been smoked this
afternoon, that is ten or fifteen fellows have been in ever
since dinner smoking him and firing off quibs.

Sun. Jan. 1 2th. Attended Church in the college chapel
in the afternoon. Heard Doc. Totten preach, have both
read and wrote some today. /

*Aug. i, 1842. Ogden says he did not believe one word on my reading this
to him today. He graduates at this time. W. E. C.

: i.

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\_iS40~\

Mon. Passed the day in studying and reading Homer’s
Illiad and the New World.

Tues. Read thirty lines in Homer and attended to
other things.

Wed. I am suffering from severe cold, the variety of
which does not tend much to do away with the monotony
of college life. Yea, verily variety is the spice of life.

Thurs. The weather, that interesting theme in con¬
versation when all other things fail, is very cold. Snow
on the ground. 1 am experiencing all the horrors of cold-
weather and fretting about it in a warm room. We have
just heard of the loss of the steamboat Lexington by fire
on last Monday evening in a snow storm near the Long
Island shore directly opposite Bridgeport. F.eports say
that 200 passengers were destroyed, 2 men on a piece of
the wreck together with an old Sea Captain who was on
board who escaped on a cotton bale, are all whose lives
are saved. This accident creates a great sensation in the
city.

Fri. This day has passed as almost every day in Col¬
lege. I will describe it. I wake up in the morning. Hear
chum bustling about the room and then the first bell for
prayers begin to jingle, up I jump, on with clothes, wash,
comb hair, grab cloak, hat, book, and then set off
for the chapel full gallop. Arrive and take my seat
the moment the last bell ceases tolling, always punctual.
After prayers we go to recitation, and then to breakfast.
At 9 o’clock the study bell rings, at 1 1 o’clock comes recita¬
tion, then dinner. Now we have till 1 1/2 o’clock to loaf
in at leisure, then another study bell, then recitation at 3
1/2 o’clock, after that prayers, then supper. There is now
two hours to go down into the city, etc. Then comes
another study bell at 7 o’clock, study till I have the lesson
and now I am writing this at 8 o’clock, and soon shall
adjourn to bed. . . .

Sat. In the forenoon I attended the Society meeting.

■

- .boi tamoa m b'o 1 1 in ,agnh ' jc y •«» ' 11 ■ P

■

Ii84Q\

We had an excellent debate by Guion and Wetmore vs.
Tracy and Beers, concerning the public character of Aaron
Burr. In the afternoon read one volume of Lady Bulwer's
novel Chevely or the Man of Honor. Passed the evening
at Mrs. Chapman's.

Sun. Jan. 19. I have read the last volume of Chevely.
In the forenoon staid at home, in the afternoon attended
divine worship at the college chapel, heard tutor Williams
preach. (Bishop Williams).

Mon. In spite of all my resolves at the commence¬
ment of the term I find that 1 am growing quite negligent.
For three or four days I have not read any Homer and
have neglected my journal. I have been so much engaged
in reading the autobiography of Baron Trench that I have
devoted all of today to it.

Tues. I am getting better of my cold, have been skat¬
ing on the river, commenced taking the daily Courant. I
think Baron Trench exhibits egotism in the manner in
which he represents himself and his motives whilst he
throws a dark shade over those parts of his life which are
deserving reprehension. But all men who write their own
history do this and who would not?

Wed. Snowed all day. John Marshall of Virginia
expelled from our Society the Atheneum, he first sent his
resignation, it was rejected and charges made against him
of violating those promises he had made on entering the
society and insulting it. The counsel convicted and ex¬
pelled him.

Sat. Attended Society meeting in the morning, made
appointment for Exhibition. Spent most of the afternoon
in preparing Catalogues to send off per mail. In the
evening went to Mrs. Chapman’s with Sanford. There
was an alarm of fire about 1/2 past ? o’clock.

Sun. Jan. 26th. In the morning went to the Episcopal,
heard a sermon from Mr. Lee of Springfield, a man pos¬
sessed of powerful lungs and able to bawl the loudest of

■

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\_i840]

any person I ever heard, in the afternoon listened to a
discourse from Pres. Totten, the commencement of a series
of lectures upon the decalogue.

Wed. Studied, besides regular lesson read 30 lines in
the llliad, in the evening attended the Institute lecture by
Washburn of Springfield. On the influence which the dis¬
covery of the passage round Cape of Good Hope to India
had upon the commerce of Europe, to this cause, he attrib¬
uted the fall of the Republics of Venice and Genoa.

Thurs. Fog! fog! I have not seen the sun for three
days, the deep snow is fast disappearing. We had speaking
in the chapel this night, it having been deferred from last
night on account of some dirty fellows burning pepper on
the stove which caused every person in the room to cough
violently, and the noise was so great that not a word of the
prayers could be heard.

Sun. Feb. 2. In the forenoon attended Church, in the
afternoon heard a sermon on the first commandment. It
is Communion day, the person who placed pepper on the
stove and is guilty of other open immoral conduct partook
of the Communion, but this is not as bad as the conduct
of some who are deceiving hypocrites, and under the cloak
of religion obtain their education and practice such im¬
morality as ought to ostracise a man from the pale of decent
society. I have not time to make a review of the week,
so good night.

Tues. Spent the day in studying and reading, passed
the evening at Mrs. Chapman’s.

Tu es. Nothing to vary the monotony of regular exer¬
cises through the day but speaking in the Chapel. This
evening I heard a very interesting lecture from Mr. Bur¬
gess on the affinity of nations and language. He said that
the blood of the north of Europe was one common stock,
the most enlightened nations on the globe as well as many
other things too numerous to mention.

Feb. 11. Sun. I have become sadly neglectful of my

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poor journal. The days which until now I have neglected
to mention have passed in much the same manner as usual.

This morning I heard a sermon from Mr. Croswell of
Boston. In the afternoon I heard Pres. Totten preach on
the fourth commandment. We had yesterday a pleasant
meeting of the Society. I took part in the exercises by read¬
ing composition and debating, the evening I passed at Mrs.
C. During the week I have read 150 lines in Homer be¬
sides the regular studies. On Friday evening I went to the
Democratic caucus. *

Mon. Took a very pleasant walk on the railroad,
weather mild and pleasant.

Tues. It is one of those wet, foggy, moggy days that
assist in removing the snow which has remained from the
15th of December en masse upon the earth to the present
time. I am engaged in preparing an anonymous paper for
the Society called Gentleman’s Magasine, which calls away
my attention from the journal. No incidents have occurred
today worthy of notice except at breakfast in the morning
a person remarkable for thickness of skull only, thought
proper to take up some words said in jest as said in earnest
and to the amusement of all flew into a passion and talked
very bravely about thrashing me, but at the case in hand,
the bully showed himself a coward.

Wed. Thurs. Fri. have flown, and not one word in my
little journal. Let them go down to oblivion, not a sentence
to their memory. I have finished and half reviewed the
first Book of the Illiad in addition to my other studies.
Perhaps at a future period looking over this page I shall
ask what was then uppermost in my mind, at this time
there is no one thing in particular, but a desire to progress
in my studies with a mixture of politics and the deuce
knows what. . . .

Thurs. Feb. 27th. One week has passed and not a word
in my diary. All the good resolutions I made not to let
a day pass without writing in it have been broken. The

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time I have neglected to record contains nothing of variety
in college life. But the whole town has been in a bustle
for the last two days on account of a great young men’s
Whig meeting or rather convention yesterday. About 600
procured a steamboat and came up the river which has
just broken up. 1200 came up in the cars from New Haven
and the adjoining towns. Great enthusiasm was mani¬
fested among the various delegations. Unity, good order,
and harmony, characterized all the proceedings of the con¬
vention and every delegate returned to his house well satis¬
fied with the reward he received for his trouble in coming
many miles through the mud and snow. 5 persons walked
35 miles of their journey being unable on account of the
state of the roads to come in any other manner. I attended
the evening session at the city hall, hundreds were present
and the room was crowded to suffocation. Among the
speakers was Mr. Reynolds of New York and Hagens
of New Haven with whom I was much pleased. When a
large crowd was assembled at the depot and the cars ex¬
pected in with the New Haven delegates a flag appeared
on the tower of the college chapel, it was cheered by the
students. The President finding the cause of the cheering
ascended the tower and removed the flag amidst a universal
groan. This incident shows that truth is oftener to be
found in the halls of learning than in the dark places of
ignorance. Last night I retired late and obtained but half
an hour’s sleep before called up by the chapel bell so here
goes obedience to Morpheus! ! !

Friday. Sat. We had a pleasant meeting of the Society.
In the afternoon an attempt was made to raise a balloon
by Bond and Mackelroy, it proved a failure owing to a
strong wind and want of skill in sending it up.

Sun. Feb. 30. Another month has passed away. I have
not let it do so unprofitably. I have attended to my regular
studies and in addition to those read one book of the Illiad
and part of another. I have fulfilled all my Society duties

100

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• • o .

I \i840\

and written three numbers of an anonymous paper to be
read in Society called the Gents. Magasine. Today I have
not attended Church but have remained in my room.

Monday. Tuesday evening walked down to North
Glastenbury.

Wed. In the morning walked down the river 4 miles to
church, after dinner went to the cotton mills, then returned
to Hartford, rode part of the way, called on the Miss
Smiths, was much pleased with them, at Glastenbury. Ash
Wed.

April 24, 1840. The exhibition proved satisfactory to
ourselves and the public. The feelings of fear and embar¬
rassment in my own mind were quickly dissipated by des¬
pair, and after I had fairly commenced speaking my piece
I felt perfectly composed. After the exercises the musi¬
cians and appointees partook of some refreshment. A few
bottles of old Madeira were drunk, the remainder was
brought up to the college. A few of us were seated in the
room where they were placed, noise was made and Prof.
Stewart had the impertinence to dismiss us to our rooms
and report the case to our parents through the faculty.
Thus ends a college scrape.

Nov. 17th. 1840. Last night I attended the introduc¬
tory lecture of the Young Men’s Institute. It was de¬
livered by the Hon. John Q. Adams. The subject was
faith. He first mentioned the celebrated account of Plu¬
tarch concerning Alexander and his confidence in his
phy sician. He then quoted an extract from the works of
Jean Jacques Rousseau describing the character of this
man as being a component of crimes and a gigantic in¬
tellect. The quotation was where Rousseau, speaking of
instructing children in history, mentions the conclusion
drawn by a child from this anecdote concerning Alexander,
that his intrepidity in taking a nauseous draught was the
occasion of the admiration excited by the conduct of the
Macedonian hero. Rousseau then mentioned his own

101

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I \184d]

opinion, — That Alexander’s respect for virtue was to be
admired. This, said Adams is my own opinion. He men¬
tioned the anecdote as an instance of faith. He then com¬
pared this instance with that of Abraham’s in the sacrifice
of Isaac. The latter portion of his discourse resembled
a sermon. His personal appearance was by no means re¬
markable except a large head. His voice was small,
musical and very distinct, not a word was lost, slow in
utterance, quick, not violent in his gestures, he used clear
perspicuous language embellished with some splendid
similes, his voice cracked when much elevated. Thus
much for the ex-President of the United States.

Dec. 13th. Tues. Eve. I listened to the introductory
lecture of the Young Men’s Institute. It was delivered
by Mr. Geo. Bancroft, the celebrated historian. The sub¬
ject was “ the progress of history as connected with the
progress of humanity.” The lecture was good but rather
too loose and unconnected. The style florid and many
beautiful figures. I came this evening near being chosen
President of the Mss. Association. I should have if one
of the members had not prevented it by urging the objec¬
tion “ that I was not a member of the church.” Last Sat¬
urday I was appointed Chairman of the Committee of
Arrangements for the ensuing Exhibition at the Atheneum.

Thurs. Dec. 29. l/2 past 11 o’clock. Just returned
from a party at the Hon. Isaac Toucy's. An old friend
of my parents. Was introduced to Mrs. Sigourney, con¬
versed some five minutes with this celebrated poetess.

— Part Omitted —

Wednesday. December 1st. 1841. The first day of
winter was never ushered in with weather more apropos.
Last evening I attended a lecture delivered by Elihu Bur-
ritt, usually known by the name of the learned Blacksmith.
He labored to prove the non existence of genius. The

102

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[7^2]

lecture showed a strong mind possessed of a vivid concep¬
tion and keen observation, while the florid style and con¬
fused figures betrayed an ignorance of rhetoric.

New Chapter.

1842.

Junior Year.

January 3rd. Two years ago today I commenced
this journal. What changes have come over the face
of all things as well as myself. The college itself
has altered. H. S. Sanford who commenced a journal
at the same time with mvself left the Institution first
term sophomore year. He has now just returned from
Spain where he has been for his health. Vacation is almost
gone. I am eighteen years of age! It is necessary that I
establish now the character which I am hereafter to bear.
This New Year shall with the blessing of Providence be
devoted to this purpose. I shall endeavor to be temperate
in all things, never to surpass the limits of strict truth in
every conversation. To be grave yet never cynical. To be
polite towards all persons, to avoid the habit of swearing.
To exercise strict control over my feelings in speaking and
imagination. Never wantonly to injure another’s feelings.
To show a due respect for religion at all times.

Fri. Jan. 7th. A New term commenced. Attended
the first recitation this morning. Proff. Brocklesby who is
appointed to Proff. Davies heard us. His first appearance
as a man is less prepossessing than as a Processor. May
my eyes hold good for the ensuing term. I think of attend¬
ing a ball this evening given by the light Guards.

Jan. 10. Mon. I attended the Ball as a spectator. I
received a letter from my Father Saturday evening, it ap¬
pears the President has taken advantage of my misfortunes
to reduce my standing for scholarship. This is a gross act

103

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[1842]

of injustice and as such I will call his attention to it. The
election for appointees at the Atheneum comes on soon.
A part may be assigned to me, if so I am at a loss whether
to receive it or not.

Feb. 9th. 1842. I have accepted an appointment to
deliver a poem at the next Atheneum Exhibition. I have
taken for a subject the Siege of Damascus. It is an ex¬
periment, I hardly dare hope for success.

Feb. 10th. I have within the last hour had the pleasure
of shaking hands with Mr. and Mrs. Dickens. Mr. Dick¬
ens is favorably known as a distinguished writer. He has
edited the Pickwick Papers, Nickolas Nickleby, ’etc.
They are well received throughout the country.

Thanksgiving Day. Nov. 17th. 1842. This day was
mostly consumed in a journey with Miss E. Bellamy to
Lebanon. On the 1 8th. which was Friday I went to Nor¬
wich where I visited the grave of Uncas. I returned the
same day to Lebanon and on the next reached Hartford
after an extremely pleasant visit.

We have some hours of merry gladness,

And some of quiet, sober joy,

And all the rest is bitter sadness,

That’s gilded like a childish toy.

I sought for pleasure where men seek,

In Beauty's rapture, glowing smiles,

With burning lips I pressed the cheek,

But turning cursed the Siren’s wiles.

I sought it at the festive board

Mid sparkling wine, and wit and song,

But when my fancy upward soared
I saw the ghosts of misery throng,

I sought it in the lighted halls
Where fortunes votaries kneel,

And watch the shifting card that falls,

With eyes of hope and hearts of steel,

104

Then I cursed the world and all it gives,

And wrapped me in my mantle cold
And walked the earth, as one that lives
With neither heart nor hope, nor soul,

T’was then I met the pleasant one,

Whose gentle memory lingereth still,

As the twilight of the summer sun,

Sleeps soft upon green wood and hill.

1843-

Senior Year.

Second Term.

January 5th. Thursday Eve. Three years have passed
since I commenced a journal, and although I have far
from faithfully attended to it, the blotted skeleton recalls
vividly the fading scenes of my past college life. This
day ushers in a new term at the commencement of a new
year, and may kind Providence continue those many bless¬
ings for which I have every reason to feel the most fervent
Gratitude. And may I be governed in all seasons by these
rules which I again write in my journal that I may more
faithfully observe them in future.

January 8th. Sunday Eve. Have not attended church
today. Passed the forenoon in writing and the afternoon
in reading Gutslaff's voyages on the coast of China. I
have just parted with an old friend who sails next Tuesday
for New Orleans, Robert E. Jackson of Tennessee. He came
from home last spring and could have entered our class,
but preferred joining the Partial Course. Pie leaves partly
on account of his health, and partly from a natural rest¬
lessness that makes him desirous of change. In the course
of human events there is but a slight chance of my ever
meeting him, and if I should, time, and the changes of
circumstances will doubtless have rent the few ties which
bind fellow students.

105

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{18431

February 6th. Monday. I have been annoyed since
Friday evening, with what I think must be a lemon-seed
adhering to some part of my throat. I shall take some
medical advice if I do not soon find relief. The weather
is very cold and the ground covered with a thick mantle
of snow. Yet in spite of wind and snow and choking throat
I shall call on Mrs. Sigourney during the evening.

February 9th. Thursday. Dr. Ellsworth thinks my
throat will not give me any serious trouble. Tuesday
evening I called at Mrs. Chapman’s, Miss Clerc's, Mrs.
Sigourney’s where 1 intended to have called the evening
previous. Mrs. Sigourney is mild and unassuming in her
address and manners, and very agreeable in conversation.
She related several anecdotes concerning the Mohegans,
and spoke of a sister of Uncas whom she had once seen.
Last evening I attended with Miss Eaton the Institute
lecture. It was delivered by young Dana, the author of
“Two Years Before The Mast.” The subject was the
“ Source of Human Influences.” His style was simple and
pure, his delivery distinct and slow but rather sing song.
Fie handled the subject in a vigorous manner, but was
rather deficient in method or I should say in the arrange¬
ment of his discourse. Tonight I shall attend a party at
Mrs. Chapman's.

February 14th. Tuesday Eve. St. Valentines. Last eve¬
ning I attended a small party at Misses Drapers. It was
very pleasantly managed, and at rather a late hour I found
myself in bed. Tonight it is cold, and the snow drives
against the windows with all the force of the North East
blast. The storm has lasted from morning. All are en¬
gaged in reading or writing Valentines. I have done
little to my oration for the Exhibition as yet. Tempus
does Fugit.

March 1st. Ash Wednesday. Attended a party last
night at Mr. Cones. Had some conversation with Ex-
Governor Ellsworth. Last Friday evening attended a large

106

[/<?«]

party at Misses Drapers. I have completed my Oration
for the Athencum Exhibition. A letter reached me the
other day dated at Rome Dec. 20th 1842, from H. I. San¬
ford with whom I commenced the first part of this journal.
God’s blessing be with him.

Friday evening March 10th. A splendid comet is now
visible in the South West. Its nucleus is below the horizon,
but its tail extends 90 to the Zenith. It appears unex¬
pectedly and creates quite a sensation. Tomorrow I oppose
in Society the British Claim of a right to search American
vessels.

Friday evening March 17th. The comet presents a
more brilliant appearance than a week since. It appears
at half past seven P. M. and fades about nine P. M. We
shall soon see it in the morning. Wednesday evening the
tribunal of Seniors and Juniors tried and reprimanded a
Freshman for impertinence, profanity and vulgarity,
“c’est t>ien.”

Saturday Eve. March 1 8th. The comet is “ non esse
videndum,” this evening from the clouds which have con¬
trived to wholly obscure it. I was absent from Society
during the morning. Passed some time at the Young Men’s
Institute reading room, in hastily perusing the remini¬
scences of Colonel Trumbull. Called at Mrs. Chapman’s.
Passed most of the afternoon and evening at Governer
Ellsworth’s. Drank tea there in company with Proff.
Stewart, Proff. Jackson and Lady, Dr. Elsworth and lady,
Governer Ellsworth and ladv, Mr. Oliver Ellsworth and
his two sisters Misses Harriet and Elizabeth. Miss Har¬
riet has a strong masculine mind, richly stored with in¬
formation, which her colloquial talents and wonderful
sense enable her to display to the best advantage. Miss
Elizabeth combines rare personal attractions with a
simple goodness of soul that renders her an object of in¬
terest and respect.

Monday afternoon March 20th. I have just finished

107

iIS43\

Mme De Stael's Corinne. I never read a French novel
with more exquisite pleasure. It elevates the mind and
improves the taste by its rare combination of valuable
knowledge and noble sentiment. The character of Corinne
fills the soul with respect and admiration, it is nobly de¬
lineated, and worthily sustained. 11 s'est enfin arrete,
ce coeur qui battoit si vite. Adieu done."

Tuesday evening March 21st. Two weeks from to¬
night and the nineteenth Anniversary Exhibition of the
Atheneum takes place. We had our first rehearsal tonight,
or the attempt, for very few knew their pieces. I among
the number was minus. The clouds have moved away, and
after three nights of concealment the comet blazes forth
in all its splendour, though now fast sinking in the west.
Last evening, left Corinne at Gov. Ellsworth’s, called upon
Miss Humphreys ditto Miss Dunham and found that the
latter lady had concluded her visit in the city and re¬
turned to New York. Called also upon the Misses
Sheldons.

Monday morning March 26th. Yesterday attended
Mr. Coxe’s Church. Have commenced Mme. De Staels
L’AIlemagnc. Convalescing from the first cold I have
had in four months. The rivers are closed with ice, and
the snow is lying the depth of a foot on the ground. We
have had sleighing for the last two months and I see very
little prospect of our ceasing to have it for two months
more. The comet is passing to the North East. Shines
brilliantly clear each night.

Tuesday evening March 27th. Very clear and beauti¬
ful this evening. The day has been warm and the rain
lallen in torrents. It has carried off about one third of
the snow. Today I took the stump to electioneer for myself
as a candidate for the office of President of the Missionary
Association of the College. The Election took place this
evening. I was very desirous of obtaining the office, for
some peculiar reasons. My chance was small. There were

108

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' I \i843\

two candidates beside myself and I have now for the first
time since I have been a member of college failed in at¬
taining any post that I desired, (at the disposal of my
fellow students).

Tuesday April 4th. “ End of the term The Ex¬
aminations of the Senior Class have closed. I have suc¬
ceeded in passing all, though I had reason to think I might
not, my eyes having prevented me from making due prep¬
aration. The Athenaeum Exhibition took place last eve¬
ning. I figured as one of the Orators and have much
reason to think I appeared creditably to myself and the
Society. This will be my last appearance on the Old
Chapel Stage.

Vacation Saturday April 8th. Left Hartford and went
in the stage to Plymouth. M. N. Butler carried me the
same day from Plymouth an Watertown.

Friday April 14th. At six o’clock in the morning I
left home in the post-carriage on my way to New York.
The rain fell continually throughout the day. The roads
were choked with mud and snow and everything combined
to impress me with the belief that I was suffering a penalty
for travelling on Good Friday. Stopped at the Pavillion,
which I reached about 3 o'clock p. m. Wrote a letter to
John I. Kerr and lay down wearily to sleep among stran¬
gers.

Saturday April 15th. Left New Haven at 5 a. m. mid
fog and rain by the steam boat New York. Obliged to
lie to by the fog and after a tedious passage varied only
by reading the New World and eating dinner, I arrived in
New York at half past two p. m. cheated by my hackman
found my friends well at Brooklyn, attended a
book auction that evening in Broadway.

Sunday April 1 6th. In the morning heard a young
clergyman preach a sermon, an hour and a half in length.
The entire substance of the discourse could be condensed
into ten minutes. In the afternoon I heard a Catholic

109

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•C 1843]

Priest, I believe Bishop Hughes, at the Barclay Street
Chapel. He preached without notes, his delivery good,
his style florid, yet not so as to interfere with the logical
nicety of his arguments. The subject was Auricular Con¬
fession. Returning to the Ferry I passed through Anthony
street which conducted me through the Five Points. The
degradation, the squalid wretchedness of God's image, was
never more disgustingly presented to my sight. In . the
evening I listened to a sermon in Dr. Coxe’s Church by
the Rev. Dr. Mason. The production of a strong mind
yet as I think weak. in some of its premises. The subject
of the sermon was the “ injurious tendency of works of
Fiction.” Dr. Mason differs widely from Lord Karnes,
but the present class of novels has grown up since Lord
Karnes wrote.

Monday April 17th. Rain. Rain. Visited the rooms
of the Merchants Library Association. Saw a few fine
paintings there and Audobons paintings of birds. Went
to the Academy of National Design but found it closed.
Went to the Court Rooms at the City Hall, to the Police
office at the tombs and the State Arsenal. In the evening
I went to the Chatham Street Theatre. Heard Forrest and
Miss Clifton in the Patricians Daughter and the Gladiator.
Was delighted with the performances. Returning with my
• young companion Filly, to Mrs. Mortons at a very late
hour he found his pass key missing. Then came the climax
of the tragedy, there we stood for an hour in the cold and
rain ringing and knocking to gain admittance, ere we suc¬
ceeded.

Tuesday April 1 8th. Rain. Rain. Visited Mrs. But¬
ters. Purchased Kents Com. for $12. and in the evening
went with McLean and a student from Saint Mary’s to
Niblos Gardens to hear Mr. Russell sing. An audience
of two thousand was assembled, the Beauty and Fashion
of New York. His songs were simple yet touching, his
accompaniament on the piano splendid, and every word

1 10

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{iS43'\

distinctly heard. Passed the night with Samuel McLean
at the City Hotel.

Wednesday April 19th. In the morning visited my
old friends at the Theological Seminary. Saw Ogden
whose appearance at college I noticed in my journal of
Freshman Year. Dined there. In the afternoon visited
Mr. Bickers. Returned to Brooklyn, dressed, and in the
evening called with McLean at Mrs. Chapman’s and Mrs.
Bacon’s.

Thursday April 20th. Rode out in the morning to Uncle
Roberts, returned in the afternoon. In the evening went
to the Park Theatre, stayed only long enough to hear the
“ Merry Wives of Windsor.” Hackett played Sir John
Falstaff, not as good as I anticipated.

Friday April 21st. In the morning called at some of
the law offices. In the afternoon rode out to Greenwood
with Miss Whitmore and Miss Griffin. Intended to go
home the next day but found it necessary to remain if I
wished to enter my name in an office for the purpose of
having the. three years of my legal study commence. Passed
the evening at the Orphans fair in Brooklyn.

Saturday April 22nd. Spent the morning in preparing
affidavits to procure a certificate of Clerkship. Wrote a
letter upon the subject to President Totten. Visited my
friends at the Seminary, spent the evening at Mrs. Filly’s.

Monday, April 24th. Steamboat was to leave at six in
the morning. Got on board at a quarter past five for fear
I should be late, on account of the fog it did not leave
until 8 o’clock a.m. We arrived at Bridgeport in about
four and a half hours. Dined at the Sterling Hotel. Waited
in the cars three hours for the steamer connected with the
line to arrive. Much amused by an old lady. Reached
Newtown in one hour, went to Dr. Booth’s. Called that

evening with Cousin Mary at - Next went to

bed and slept gloriously.

1 1 1

[/**?]

Tuesday April 25th. Rode on horseback to see my
cousin Dr. Wm. Booth. Found him well, village peasant,
played backgammon. Dined, visited Mrs. E. Armitage’s
grave, the Gaol, and the Rev. T. T. Guion. Played whist,
took tea and rode back to Newtown in 1 hour and 45
minutes.

Wednesday April 26th. Woke up, found every limb
lame, and every muscle sore, the horrible next day of a
horseback ride. In the afternoon left in the post carriage
with Aunt Ann for Watertown.

End of Vacation Ramblings.

Thursday April 27th. Rain. Rain. Here am I
bruised and sore at Watertown, writing out the journal of
my travels with a cheerful fire and a comfortable room
to console me.

Monday May 1st. Last Saturday was thrown from a
horse, struck upon my head, which yet pains me although
no external injury appears. Dr. Elton thinks it a jar and
has prescribed physic. Tomorrow I shall go to Hartford,
though I am forced today to keep in my room. It rained
violently last night, it is now clearing off with a high wind.
Played draughts with my Aunt Ann. This is the last day
of a burdensome vacation.

Sunday May 14th. During the past week I have read
“ Rienzi ” or “ The Tribune,” and commenced my Oration
for Commencement. Subject, “The Elements of National

I 12

■

{1843}

Greatness.” Commenced teaching myself how to write a
respectable hand, poor encouragement this. No leaves on
the forest trees or college hedge yet.

Thursday May 1 8th. Last Tuesday I accompanied
President Totten in a surveying expedition to learn the
height of Talcott Range of hills. We measured them by
the Barometer. We found the height above the level of
the Connecticut 663.2 feet. Last evening I attended a small
party at Miss Goodridge’s. I was invited on my Fathers
account to Governor Ellsworth's to a party given by him
to the members of the Legislature. Tonight I attend a
small party at Bishop Brownell’s.

Tuesday May 23rd. Summer has at last come forth
in all its beauty. The weather is delightful. Last evening
I attended a party given to the Senior Class at Prof. Jack¬
son’s. I find that this dissipation unhinges the mind.

June 3rd. I have attended during the past week the
hearing of the petition of Martha E. Miller for a divorce
from her husband Charles F. Miller before a committee
of the Legislature. The trial excited deep public interest.
The case was argued in behalf of the petitioner by the late
Lieutenant Governor Charles Flawley and Ralph Ingersoll,
for the Respondent by Charles Chapman and Isaac Toucy
Esquires. Mr. Hawley made a sound, able plea, simple in
style and enforced by a good deal of action. Mr. Chap¬
man’s manner was good, he presented his subject in the
most clear and distinct manner, and treated it with warmth
and energy. His style is remarkable for perspicuity and
elegance, while he manages the pathetic and the satirical
with equal dexterity. Mr. Toucy is cold and dignified in
his speaking unless warmed into excitement, which is not
often the case. Mr. Ingersoll speaks with fluency. He
appeals to the passions of his auditors in a very effective
manner, and his peroration was truly eloquent.

Friday June 9th. The Legislature adjourned yester¬
day morning and Father returned home. Last Monday I

1 13

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[IS 43]

procured some of Aaron Burrs papers and correspondence
etc. I found them lying on the deck of a steam schooner
at the wharf. There were several large bales of his and
other persons papers which had been sold and shipped
to be remanufactured at the mills in this state from New
York. Some persons more successful than myself found
among the mass which we were searching, original verses
of Burrs, letters from Washington and other great men of
that day.

Monday Eve. June 12th. This morning commenced
writing my Commencement Oration on the Roman Law.
Have prepared myself to write upon that subject in some
measure, from Selden, Grotius, Kent, Gibbon, Blackstone
Pufifendorf, etc. This evening walked out to the college
grounds with Cousin Charlotte, Miss F. Shelton, and Miss
Elisa Trumbull, a descendant of the old Governor. I
have seen very little of Miss Trumbull, but I can say she
is the only lady I ever saw whom I would like to have
for a wife. She is beautiful, accomplished, and amiable,
and if I was brought much into contact with her per¬
chance my stoicism would forsake me and I , even I would
fall in love. But alas tonight my gaiter heels were an
inch and a half high, so that in addition to being dull,
miserable and awkward, I tottered along like a tipsy giant.
Bon Soir.

Saturday June 17th. The anniversary of the battle of
Bunker Hill. Upon this day and perhaps at this very hour,
John Tyler and the people of the United States are cele¬
brating the completion of a monument that when the grand¬
child of every man gathered there shall have rotted in the
grave, will yet stand to commemorate a great and solemn
event. Evening before last I called with Marshall at Mrs.
Sigourney’s. Met there Dr. Jarvis and the Poets, the “ Rev.
Messieurs, Everest and Coxe.” Last evening I attended a
very pleasant small party at Mrs. Woodbridge’s. This
morning debated in the Society the Puritan Question, spoke
in behalf of the Puritans.

4nfci fi JjrifiS bai-mol I .bur/iv/fi bns

J ■ ■ 4 1 ; ■

I JS43]

Wednesday morn. June 21st. Monday I was elected
College Marshall, for the purpose of officiating at the re¬
ception of the President. Last evening I was at a Con-
veratione or party at Mrs. Sigourney’s “ Cottage ornee."
Today the Chief Magistrate was to have partaken of the
hospitality of the citizens of Hartford. After officiating
as Marshall I anticipated a great pleasure in meeting
the President and Cabinet at Mr. Bridge's at a party given
in honor to John Tyler and Suite to which I had been
invited. But alas, For the vanity of human expectations.
The President is prevented from coming by the sudden
death of Mr. Legare, Attorney General. There will ac¬
cordingly be no parade, no broiling in the sun.

Monday July 3rd. For the last ten days it has been
intensely hot. Mercury being up to 88, afternoons upon
an average by Fahrenheit’s thermometer. A striking
change in the temperature of the atmosphere occurred yes¬
terday, in less than 4 hours the mercury fell from 90 to 70.
Last evening was at a small party given by Oliver Ells¬
worth who leaves tomorrow for Valparaiso. Prof. Jack-
son has invited me to go with him to the Mediterranean.
I have written Father upon the subject, but I entertain no
hopes of him permitting me to go or furnishing the funds
necessary.

Tuesday July 4th. Mr. Hortons of my class and San¬
ford delivered the poem and Oration in the Athenaeum
this morning. Walked downtown with Sterling of Louisi¬
ana. He met a Yankee clock-pedlar who had often staid
at his friends houses in L. The pedlar was a fine speci¬
men of a Yankee, shrewd etc. and asked Bill to come out
to New Hartford and pay him a visit. Quite a military
but not much civic display in the city. Listened to an
oration from Mr. Hammersley in the South Church. Here
I am in No. 43, intending in about an hour to go and see
the fireworks, so much patriotism.

July 10th Monday. I have nearly completed my ora¬
tion for Commencement upon “ The Roman Law.” I

”5

■

i niyjiu? A .lowmormaiU ifrbriimrU ! X1 8 >,3Vf f*

■hyat onft e unr «lt»q -J «U wuoA ,bi»nl l.d in

[1843]

have been appointed by the Society to deliver the Valedic¬
tory in behalf of the graduating class, before the Society.
Yesterday evening listened to a Lecture from the Presi¬
dent, upon the proofs of Christianity. Last Friday evening
was invited to a party at Mrs. Robert Watkinson’s and to
another at Mr. Grant’s Cottage, where I very pleasantly
passed the evening.

Monday July 17th. College days are drawing to a
close. It is a sad thought that one must leave the walls
where life has flowed so smoothly, and the friends whose
example, and whose intercourse, have been, the former a
source of profit, and the latter a source of pleasure. Life
is before me, and I am already careworn in determining
what course I will take. Thank Heaven I have disposed
of one bore, my oration for Commencement “ The
Roman Law It is completed, passed through the Presi¬
dents hands, and nearly committed. I stand third in rank
at the next Commencement. This standing is better than
I dared to hope for when my eyes were so weak, but the
President told me last week that if I had not lost a little
standing in Greek Tragedies 3rd Term Junior, through
the diseased state of my eyes that I would have taken the
Valedictory Oration. I have been elected by the Society
to deliver the Valedictory before them from the Gradu¬
ating Class. It would have gratified me to have taken the
first or second honor at the Commencement when my class
graduated, but Providence by afflicting me with a heavy
dispensation deprived me even of the power to effect it.
Many lose the disposition to attempt it, many think them¬
selves unable, but when one has a prize of some value, and
it is in his grasp, to lose it sends some sorrow to the soul.
God grant that this may not be the type of my success in
life. Give me anything but disappointments.

Wednesday July 19th. Within the last hour I have
attended the last recitation of the Senior Class. God knows
that with a heavy heart I passed for the last time the oaken

r/firf I mod ml odj nirt i.W .dlQt ^ba-rSa // I

'Ll 843']

threshold of a college recitation room. About 2200 reci¬
tations have I attended in college. The President invited
the class to a party at his house tomorrow night. In dis¬
missing the class the President paid a very handsome com¬
pliment to the scholarship and ability displayed during the
year he had heard our recitations. Prof. Jackson sailed
yesterday for Europe or rather left here for the purpose
of sailing soon.

Friday afternoon July 21st. This is the first day of the
vacation previous to Commencement. Yesterday I passed
my examinations and the Class were dismissed until the
morning of Commencement. Last evening we all attended
a party given by the President. Mr. Castenis, a Greek, a
native of the unfortunate isle of Scio was present. He is a
gentleman of great classical attainments and refined man¬
ners. He is worthy of Greece in her better days. I have
seen him years since in the Albanian costume, the most
magnificant and picturesque I have ever seen worn. And
as he repeated the lines, so beautifully written by the La-
Fayette of his country:

“ Oh who is more brave than the dark Suliote
In his snowy chemise; or shaggy capote?”

Or as he danced brandishing his Turkish sabre, and strik¬
ing the sheath of his attaghan to the sound of the Albanian
war song, one’s blood thrilled with the lofty or sad thoughts
which came crowding upon the mind. He was speaking
of practising law upon his return to Greece. I observed
that “ in his native land there were objects enough to stir
up eloquence ”. “ Yes ” (he replied), “ there is enough in
Greece to make a dead man eloquent.” The party was very
pleasant and broke up about midnight. I have spent today
very unprofitably, but quite “ a la vacation ”.

August 1 st Tuesday afternoon. It is really a sad time
for us seniors. With me it is a most busy one. Vacation
has passed or rather not been.

■

VS 431

August 3rd. Commencement is over except the party
which is to be this evening at the President's. College life.
Good Night. The world is before me. God grant that I
walk the path of an upright man. Last evening met a
gentleman at Mrs. Sigourney’s where I took tea, an ac¬
quaintance of Sir Walter Scott. His name was Prevoes.
I had the third appointment in the class. My Oration
upon the Roman Law was successful, but I am sick and
have been for the last three days.

Watertown August 3th. Saturday afternoon. I left
Llartford yesterday noon. 1 have recovered from my ill¬
ness, shall leave soon for New York where I intend to
study law. The quiet of this little village is soothing and
attractive as compared with the bustle of a College Com¬
mencement, and the hurry of packing up and leave-taking.
This is the last of college life during which this journal
was brought into existence and continued. As I turn from
the tranquil scenes of the cloister for the last time, if I may
use the phrase, to the busy hum of life and exertion, I can¬
not take leave of my classmates without some little record
of them in the order in which they have for almost four
years sat upon the recitation bench.

First. Joseph P. Taylor of Glastonbury, Conn. He
is the son of an Englishman who has respectably educated
a large family, though he has only acquired means as a
sail maker. He is about 24 years of age, pious, a good
scholar, and intends to take orders. Pie is kind, perser-
vering, and honorable.

Thomas Preston of Hartford, Conn. He is the son of
a flour merchant, a self-made but respectable man. 19
years of age, pious, a good scholar, and intends to take
orders. He is dificient in delicacy of feeling, and judg¬
ment, and is rather fond of talking about his principles.
He is a High Churchman, rather florid in composition and
may rise to eminence in the Church.

Ii843\

Francis Clerc Hartford, Conn. He is the son of Laur¬
ent Clerc, a Frenchman and teacher in the Deaf and Dumb
Asylum at Hartford. Both of Clercs parents were deaf
and dumb. He was sent to France at nine years old and
returned at 16, accomplished in the French and tolerably
versed in the German, Greek, and Latin languages. He
is 20 years of age, pious, a good scholar, and intends to take
orders. He is a good writer, amiable, and frank in his feel¬
ings and actions while conscientious in the highest degree.
He is the most perfect character in the Class and has a
sound and comprehensive mind.

Sanford /. Horton Medway Mass. His parents are
dead. He pursued the trade of a cabinet maker. Caught
in a religious excitement, he turned his attention to study.
Fie grafted Episcopacy upon his old Puritan stock. . Hor¬
ton is about 27 years old, pious, but often led astray by the
violence of his passions. Not possessed of that application
or vigour of mind necessary for a good scholar, and in¬
tends to take orders. He possesses the faculty of making
himself at once a favorite with every pious woman over
50. He is kind and warm in his feelings.

William E . Curtis Watertown Conn. He is the son
of Holbrook Curtis, a lawyer. He is 19 years of age and
intends to study law.

Henry T. Welles Glastenbury, Conn. He is the only
child of an old and respectable farmer of that name. He
is 22 years of age and intends to study law at some future
period. Welles is deficient in energy and frankness, and
somewhat cunning. Great prudence is his chief attribute.
He is a passable scholar and liberal, or rather, not mean.

James Lawrence Scott , Boston Mass. His Father died
leaving him young and poor. He was an apprentice to a
copper-plate printer. After his apprenticeship had ex¬
pired he continued to work at his trade, though sometimes
acting parts at a theatre in Boston. He became pious after
he had laid up from his wages more than $1,000. Fie

■

U8431

then commenced studying, though previous to this he had
published some tales and fugitive poems. He is 30 years
of age. His talents for composing and the want of early
mental discipline have prevented him from taking a very
respectable stand as a scholar. His is preparing to take
orders. Scott is kind and obliging with a rare fund of
wit and anecdote. Pie is a warm friend and a bitter enemy.

William Long New Hampshire. He is the son of an
old sea captain nearly 80 years old, who after following
the seas for 50 years retired with a large family upon a
small farm in New Hampshire. William Long worked
in early life as a carpenter. He is about 28 years old, pious,
a good scholar, and intends to take orders. He is some¬
what irritable in his feeling and contracted in his views
of things, but honest, sincere, and persevering.

Henry Vibbert Gardiner. He is the son of a shoe¬
maker from Windham, Connecticut. Gardiner first fol¬
lowed his fathers profession. Then that of a Methodist
priest and finally entered college so as to take orders in the
Episcopal church. He is about 30 years of age, pious, a
most miserable scholar, and a person utterly void of all
greatness of thought, soul, or feeling. His little soul re¬
volves in a smaller sphere and is only great when greedily
swallowing the ultra movements of the day.

John Ker Eastville Va. He is the son of a physician
who is also a merchant and of Scotch extraction as the
name purports. Pie is 20 years of age, inclined to dissipa¬
tion, a negligent scholar, and intends to be a physician.
(We sit upon the recitation bench in the order in which
we were examined to enter College). He entered College
third term Freshman. Ker is one of those persons who are
injured by being thought a genius. Pie possesses good abili¬
ties, great beauty of person, is a handsome declaimer, and
good musician and mimic, and has a great deal of wit, gen¬
erosity, and good nature. On the other hand he is idle,
wanting in moral principles, and unless something inter-

120

5>i noijDAitttt IjHo! » r>pr ^ ; u » * ^ 0i - ^

■ / . 1 ; -

V843\

venes, will go down into his grave an object of commisera¬
tion.

George Ker , a brother of the former. He is 19 years
of age, moral, and intends to study medicine. He is the
reverse of his brother. Of moderate abilities, yet by his
perseverance a good scholar, selfish, narrow in his views,
and avaricious except for the gratification of self. Ill
natured, yet by his perseverance and selfishness he will pro¬
vide well for himself through life.

Fielding L. Taylor of Bell Farm Gloucester County
Va. lie is the son of a lawyer who died some years since.

18 years of age, a poor scholar, and intends to be a lawyer.
He is rather vain and fond of exhibiting himself as the
son of the Old Dominion. He is young and his good
qualities are perhaps obscured by the temptations of youth
and inexperience.

Nathaniel B. Marshall of Faquier County Va. Fie is
the son of a planter and the grandson of the late Chief
Justice. Aged 20, a good scholar and intends to be a phy¬
sician. He is small but handsome, and polished in his
manners. He possesses generosity, courage and vanity, but
is in reality superior to many who affect to despise him.
He with F. L. Taylor entered college first term Sophomore
as did John Weller Priest of New York City. Priest is

19 years of age, pious, a good scholar, and intends to be a
civil engineer. He is the son of a clerk in an auction store
in New York. He is one of those characters who are fated
to be the dupes of mankind. Inexperienced yet in their own
estimation not shrewd and sharpsighted they are forever
the victims of some humbug. So it is with Priest. In
college his name has become the synonym of gullibility.
Yet he is a superior mathematician, a fellow of infinite
reading and information, and withall most sincere and will¬
ing to listen to advice from a friend. Yet most of it seems
thrown away upon him.

Fred crick IV. Cornwall of Cheshire, Conn. He is the
son of a deceased Episcopal clergyman, aged 22, a decent

121

\i843~)

scholar, moral and docs not know what profession to pur¬
sue. Cornwall is deficient in energy and conversational
powers. He never does a foolish thing or a wise one. Fie
entered ist term Soph.

Thomas Davenport Ozanne of the Isle of Guernsey,
is the younger son of a Frenchman residing on that Island.
He joined the class 3rd term Senior, is about 28 years of
age, pious a good scholar, and intends to take orders. He
possesses a vast fund of information and some accentricities.
Beers and Bradin who took their diplomas with us have
always recited with some former class.

Thus have I sketched briefly and imperfectly the char¬
acters of my classmates. So that when old age steals upon
me and memory recalls the scenes of college life, I shall
have some slight memorials of “ auld lang syne.” My prin¬
cipal associates in the class were partly from choice and
partly from accident. I give their names place here be¬
cause God knows we are never to meet again as we have
so often done. J. P. Taylor, Clerc, Marshall, and F. L.
Taylor “ mes amis.” Many have left our class as they
have from various causes left college. Among those who
have left were Norman L. Brainard now in the Law School
at Harvard University. Henry L. Sanford now on his way
to the Azores, Edward L. Newton studying law in Wis¬
consin, Stephen Noble, I know not where he is, Edward
C. Franklin studying medicine with Dr. Motte in New
York. Andrew A. Welton and Oliver his brother died
Junior Year. Walker who left third term Freshman.
F. A. Boardman who is married in Ohio. This is all that
I remember now who have left the class. I have now done
with college life, this is the last entry. Henceforth, I am
in the world and shall speak of the things in the world.
But it is with a heavy heart and sorrowing eyes, that I
gaze upon the new prospect which opens before me. A
new Era dawns, the Old Regime has passed away. With
a sad heart do I write that here is,

THE END OF COLLEGE LIFE.

122

pztnou'Q \o old oi\t to \

. j . . ; . ' }

A NEJF DYNASTY, STUDY OF LAW.

August 9th. Left home 6 a.m. rode in the rain to New
Haven, came in the boat to New York and at 7 p.m. was
domesticated at Miss Hayt's 209 Fulton Street.

August 10th. Went to Mr. Livingston’s office gnd
commenced Blackstone, walked in the rain to Brooklyn and
got well soaked, though I brought an umbrella to keep
me otherwise.

Friday night August 11th. Read twenty pages in
Blackstone, copied in the office three hours, and dined at
Delmonico’s, with the Apollls, so a few who dine at that
establishment are termed. Among whom are James and
Samuel McLean and a Mr. Wallace, all Scotchmen and
Mr. Fill eyT and myself from the land of steady habits.

Saturday night Aug. 12th. Been at the office all day.
Read 33 pages in Chittys Blackstone 2nd Vol. Dined at
Delmonicos with Mr. Wallace, he is a high Tory. Dis¬
puted with him about O'Connel and the success which has
attended our institutions, I was sleepy all the afternoon
from eating too much dinner, formed a resolution not to
make a hog of myself in future. Coming home suffered
myself to be cheated out of a sixpense, said nothing but
hoped the poor man would get his next sixpence in a more
desirable manner, moralised on it but before I left his shop
he tried the same manoeuvre in a different form. Find my
time passes very pleasantly at present.

Monday night Aug. 14th. Last Saturday evening I
rode with Mr. Filley to Coney Island. We left Brooklyn
an hour after sunset, and drove the whole distance 10 1/2
miles in 70'. The full moon rose in splendid beauty. For
the first time I stood on the shore of the broad Atlantic,
the surf breaking at my feet. Everything in nature united
to give an increased effect to this Heavenly Diorama.
Yesterday I heard Mr. Bachs preach in the morning, in
the afternoon I staid at home, today I have been in the
office most of the time reading Blackstone. Life drags on

123

[.1843]

in the beaten path. The old stumbling blocks are ever
presenting themselves, gluttony, idleness, and frivolity
waste many precious moments. Mrs. Filly and her sweet
little child have arrived today. Blackstone served up as
usual.

Friday Aug. 1 8th. One day is the Daguerreotype of
another. I may as well give the history 24 hours to answer
for all. At half past six in the morning I rise, at 7 break¬
fast, at 8 go over to New York and sit in the office and
read Blackstone until 10 when Mr. Livingston and clients
then enter. I then pause or write until 11 when I com¬
mence Blackstone and continue reading until 1/2 past one
o’clock when I give up the civilian for the inner man and
dine at Delmonicos, the French Restaurant, upon potage
and pastry. I then return about 1/2 past 2 o’clock and con¬
verse, read newspapers, etc. until 1/2 past 3 o’clock. I then
read the learned Knight Sir William until 6 when I cross
over to Brooklyn, sup at 7 o’clock and spend the evening
at my room writing, reading, etc. at half past 10 o’clock
I retire, and sleep until 3 o’clock in the morning, then come
the market waggons rattling over the pavements, and I
remain until the hour of rising, rolling upon the mattress
and trying to shut the noise out of my ears.

August 24th. Thursday Eve. My eyes have regained
their usual strength. I have read the first book of Black¬
stone and have reviewed about 100 pages. Passed last
evening at Mrs. Mortons. Monday night we were visited
by a terrible storm, the turfed terraces of the Heights were
swept away, cellars filled, etc.

August 29th. Tuesday morning. I have commenced
Warren’s Law Studies. Sunday Attended Mr. Johnson’s
Church, and resolved to do so in future for three reasons.
1 st. because I shall go to that Church from its being near
to my boarding house with greater regularity than to any
other. 2nd because I shall hear Prof. Henry preach, a man
whose talents I highly respect. 3rd. because I can pro-

124

A 2 ** >b3lift "Elb3 ,V'£7/E ,qa'"2

ii843\

cure a seat there at the least expense. Yesterday two col¬
lege friends called at the office, Chas. Matthews of Louisi-
anna and Wm. Colt of Hartford, Barrows is also in the
city. I called to see them last night but found them out.

September ist. Friday eve. The first day of autumn
comes with the appropriate accompaniament of a north
easter. Tuesday I attended a Buffalo Hunt. Shades of
Nimrod. A buffalo hunt at Hoboken! About 3 p.m. I
reached the scene of action, about 600 acres I should guess
were enclosed in a post and rail fence and five yards from
this another fence surrounding the former and in the inter-
val the baffalos were to be pursued and taken with the
lasso. It is said 40,000 persons were present. The buffalos
were set at liberty in the Lane. The hunter dressed as an
Indian on horseback commenced the pursuit, the music
struck up, the dense masses of people rushed forward to see
the sport, one buffalo was fairly captured with the lasso,
when suddenly breaking the enclosures some rushed into
the area and some into the fields without. The hunter now
commenced his task in good faith, the people ran, and the
buffalos ran, one man fell from a tree and died, and sev¬
eral persons were slightly injured by the animals. Very
many sad and ludicrous incidents occurred. I stood in a
New Jersey marsh with the mosquitoes torturing me and
the sun pouring the most suffocating heat upon my head
and not one breath of air Abraham like stirring, yet laugh,
I had to at some of the scenes. One buffalo dashed through
the Elysian fields down the rocks and struck out far into
the Hudson and when I left the ground they were still at
liberty and rushing frantic through the country upon all
sides. I spent the evening very pleasantly at Mrs. Mortons.

Sunday 6 o’clock p.m. Sept. 3rd. Heard Prof. Henry
at church this morning. This afternoon I commenced and
finished Capt. Basil Flails “ Winter at Schloss Planfield in
lower Styria.” Have not for years read anything that has
more deeply interested me. The death-bed of the Coun-

125

J ' 1

&843\

tess, the grief of Joseph, are described with a simplicity
equal to Sterne. It is circumstances, the realities, not the
description which moves. I have commenced reading a
few lines in the Iliad every day after dinner. I commenced
at the XVI Book where I left off two vears since. . . .

Written 24 lines of would be poetry and entitled it the
Norwegian Emigrants Lament or Song, Sept. 4th in de¬
fault of other matter I write in the choice repositor afore¬
said :

Norwegian Emigrants Song.

Swift glides the bark upon the wave.
My Fathers braved this sea,

And though the winds so wildly rave,
There is no fear in me;

Far from the hills that gave me birth,
From all that still is dear,

And from the old ancestral hearth,
O’er the broad deep I steer.

Old Norway sleeps beneath the sky,

A summer cloud at rest,

That dimly lifts its head on high
Up from the water’s breast.

Oh then “ Good Bye ” to Fatherland,
My heart must stay with thee,

For sad 1 seek the distant strand,
Where no one cares for me.

But why should 1 regret the past?

And why should I repine?

These griefs may not forever last,

And joys may yet be mine;

Our Northern Skalds have sung of old
The treasure of that shore;

126

1*8 f 3]

And rich with furs, and rich with gold
I’ll see my hills once more.

Then fill the bowl, the Runic Bowl,

And quaff the liquid fire,

Bright visions float around my soul,

Of home and kin and sire;

I’m on the mountain side again,

Where I was wont to be.

But why rejoice, it is in vain?

Life’s toils are o’er for me.

Sept. 9th. Saturday night. The week is almost closed
and I have passed it less profitably than I could have
wished. I sent my poem to the Editors of the New York
Tribune, it is not yet in print and I think there are some
reasons in the matter itself why it should not be.

Wednesday evening, Sept 13th. Copied two declara¬
tions that consumed most of the day, and commenced read-
ing Blackstone II Book of Review. Called last evening
upon Mrs. Butters. Inquired if she was at home, found
that she had been brought to bed with a girl since I was
last there, discussed a bottle of porter with the happy hus¬
band, I came down to Brooklyn at half past ten.

I'riday eve. Sept. 19th. Have been for some time
reading Lyttleton’s Letters upon English History. Have
this moment finished the reign of Henry VIII, the style
in which they are written is chaste, figures properly in¬
troduced, few, but not always happy. I read it so that
I may gain a better knowledge of Blackstone. Life passes
very pleasantly with me.

September 29th. I am twenty years of age today. The
longer I live the more forcibly am I struck with the many
proofs that the Bible is the work of inspiration. No eu-
logy has ever yet portrayed a minimum of its merits. To¬
day I step forth from the teens into manhood. From the
walls of a college and the endearing intimacy of many

127

I1843']

warm hearts I have emerged to take my stand upon the
broad stage of life.

Saturday eve. Oct. 6th. A dreary Northeaster without,
and a cold heart within. 3 weeks since I joined the Hamil¬
tonian Literary Association, many of the members are
young lawyers, and fine speakers, so that I anticipate much
pleasure and profit from the connexion. Next Monday
eve I make my debut, upon the constitutional question,
“ Can Congress rightly make the Abolition of slavery con¬
ditional upon the admission of a Territory into the Union.”
My heart sinks at the thought of rising to speak. I only
trust that I may not leave the impression that I am an over¬
grown blockhead, for so I must appear in comparison with
my colleague and opponents. Norman L Brainard, Frank
Clcrc, J. P. Taylor called upon me yesterday. Last evening
I heard Macready play Hamlet, he commenced hoarse and
ended admirably.

Monday eve. Oct. 1 6th, Find myself moved into the
third loft. Attended Air. Johnson's Church and Mr.
Stone's Church yesterday.

Oct. 20th. 8 of 12 p. m. I have this moment returned
from the Park Theatre having heard Mr. Macready play.
I had the pleasure of listening to him the other evening in
Hamlet but his Macbeth surpasses anything. His words
yet ring in my ears. “ He was not for a day but for all
time,” is truly said by Shakespeare. World how ungen¬
erous thou art, Some for thy welfare devote fortune, happi¬
ness, life, but to the bard only thou yieldest immortality.
“ Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow,” I may say with
Macbeth for it only lacks 20 of tomorrow. The clock is
striking. Life is like a “ poor player that struts his brief
hour upon the stage.” “ Malheur! malheur! comment
echapper aux pensees qui naissent dans mon ame et se sou-
levent contre moi?”

“ Dies irae, dies ilia,

Solvit saeclum in f avi 11a,

128

Mul 8i rl zusin ifiril 13/Klq tooq “ fi 3>Ul *f aki J

Iudex ergo cum sedebit.

Quidquid latet apparebit.

Nil inultum remanebit.

Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?

Quern patronum rogaturus?

Cum vix iustus sit securus?”

“ Ciel! pourquoi done suis je ne?”

Oct. 2 1 st. Slept little this morning and have felt miser¬
ably all day, done nothing but trifle away the time.

Thursday evening. November 2d. For a long time I
have neglected my poor journal. It has been too cold to
write in my room, but tonight I have a cheerful fire upon
the hearth and can well afford a few words. Scarce a
fortnight is the interval, yet how much is there to record
which has varied the quiet of my monotonous life. I am
appointed to speak against this proposition of Adam
Smith’s next Monday eve at the “ Hamiltonian ”. Viz
‘4 That without legal regulation, all the capital and labor
of a country, will, of a necessity, be fully employed and
applied the most advantageously to the owners of Capital,
those who perform the labor, and to the whole society.” I
shall commence preparing myself tonight. I have shaken
hands with Marshall Bertrand within a few days. He was
short, fat, and bald with bright black eyes, short whiskers,
white face, wrinkled, with blue coat and pantaloons and
white vest. He appeared to be a brave great and good man
and so he is. I was the other day at the sight of Wiers
embarkation of the Pilgrims. “ God is with us ” is upon
the colors.

Nov. 3rd. I have today been introduced to Col. John¬
son the “ Killer ” of Tecumseh, he is short, fat, dressed in
black with white head and light blue eyes and appears
to be almost 70 years of age. He is gentlemanly and erect
in his bearing and is quite affable. Air. Alorton had a
second hemorrhage at the lungs this morning, it was owing
I fear to his imprudence, God grant that he recover.

129

.eioloo on)

US 43}

November 5th. Sunday night. Heard Prof. Henry this
morning, listened to Dr. Hawks this afternoon who de¬
livered an eloquent discourse upon the proof of the divinity
of Christ. He is a fine looking or rather appearing man
and speaks admirably.

Nov. 10th. Friday evening. Passed the evening with
Henry Sanford who has lately arrived from the Azores.
His Uncle the late M. C. was present. Saw Fanny Shelton
last evening. I have just seen a notice of the death of Col.
Trumbull. He is the last of Washington's Aids. Truly
it may be said “ the last link is broken I have often
hoped that I should have the pleasure of meeting him
somewhere but that will never be at least upon earth. He
was of the same age as my grandfather Edmond.

November 12th. Sunday eve. Heard Dr. Hawks
preach this morning. He was excellent in style, sentiment,
and delivery. It is cold, dark, dreary November weather.
I have attempted this evening a few lines which shall go
into this repository of “ omnium versum

The summer leaves each autumn blast
Whirls rustling at our feet.

The summer days with clouds o'ercast
No more we joyous greet;

So man is like the flowers of spring
That sweetly bloom awhile
But autumn storms will surely bring
A pain for every smile.

But storms will not forever last
The clouds will pass away
That gathered now so thick and fast
Form such a dark array
The summer of our hopes will come
And brilliantly the sun

130

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Shall break upon that harvest home
Where man his course has run.

Nov. 1 2th. 1843.

Wm. E. Curtis.

Nov. 1 6th, Thursday eve, and a dark rainy Nov. eve¬
ning it is. I yesterday found that the young man was not
about to leave Mr. Jordan's office until May next whose
place I wished to occupy there as student. So that I find
myself disappointed after having made arrangements to
enter that office. I must make another arrangement. Mr.
Morton had another hemorrhage of the lungs this evening.
His condition is extremely critical. God serve him a
restoration of health is my fervent ejaculation. Yesterday
I visited Mr. Leavitt’s house for the purpose of seeing the
paintings, many of them are very beautiful. In the eve¬
ning I called upon Mr. Butters where I passed the evening
very pleasantly. I saw Mr. Jones there whom I have not
seen for a long time. The 7th of this month I commenced
Kent’s Commentaries. Perhaps it is the November air that
weighs heavily upon my spirits but many vexations and
disappointments seem hanging like clouds around my pros¬
pects.

The shades of night have gathered ’round,

The chilling blast sweeps by,

While rattling comes the tempest’s sound,

Like squadrons rushing by.

Oh sad this night is to my soul

When mournful thoughts draw near,

As funeral knells that sadly toll
The death of one that’s dear.

My childish days have fled for aye,

My youth hastes to its prime,

While scarce a star is in that sky,

Where points the hand of time.

[i 843\

Shall vain Regret, and broken hope,

Embitter all my life?

Oh no! with dauntless soul, I’ll cope
In the unequal strife.

Wm. E. Curtis

Evening. Nov. 1 6th.

1843-

Nov. 17th. Friday eve. Passed most of the day in
drawing and copying two Supreme Court Declarations.
Priest called in the morning to see me. I have spent the
day pleasantly and profitably.

When cares corroding pass away,

And leave the troubled spirit free,

Hope sheds her light upon our way,

Like moon-beams on the stormy sea;

Then clear the path, and fair the gale
While heedlessly we spread each sail.

Nov. 1 8th. Saturday eve. In one hour more and one
week of the precious few allotted to man will have passed,
irrevocably passed. Read some, wrote some, and walked
some today. Priest spent the evening with me.

Time, time, oh quickly thou fliest!

Man, man, thou confest, thou diest.

Nov. 19th. Sunday eve. Have passed the day at Uncle
Robert’s. Walked into Brooklyn in the afternoon. I
brought with me a number of my grandfather’s letters to
his daughter Mary. Mrs. Armitage commenced copying
them into a book, but the work was arrested by her death.
He was truly a great and good man, and he showed it in
the field of battle, in the councils of the nation, and upon
the Judicial Bench. God grant that my life may be like
his. /

132

[rt43]

The voice is hushed that oft of yore,

Broke sweetly on my ear.

And in this weary life no more
Its soothing music shall I hear.

Nov. 20th. Monday eve. Drafted a Foreclosure Bill
in Chancery “ mon permier attendat.” Read 20 pages of
Kent’s Corn’s. Shall go to attend the Hamilton this eve¬
ning.

Nov. 2 1 st. Tuesday eve. Went to Whitehall at noon
to see Capt. Coggshell off who sails today for England,
he has boarded with us for some days and we have become
quite attached to him. He is a fine good-hearted old
gentleman. Wrote a letter this afternoon. My old college
friend and tutor M. F. Hyde arrived here tonight. I
have done little today at the law. Time passes faster than
I improve it. Conversing with Mr. Hyde brings college
days fresh to my mind.

Those years have gone, those pleasant years,

So sweetly passed of “ auld lang syne,”

Like childhood’s hopes and childhood’s tears,

They never never will be mine.

But memory brings those scenes to view,

As distant sunshine to the soul,

That shows in colors clear and true
The Past where clouds obscuring roll.

But I shall soon forget those days

Like fleeting dreams shall see them pass
When journeying on, this frame decays
And cares my weary steps harass.

Nov. 21st. 12 o’clock,
p.m. 1843.

Nov. 25th. Sat. eve. This is the anniversary of the
evacuation of New York. Sixty years ago and the noon-

133

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1 18431

day sun shone for the last time on British bayonets as
their columns defiled from Broadway to the place of em¬
barkation. The military display of today was good.
Marshall Bertrand and the Compte his son reviewed the
troops at City Hall. Last evening I heard David Graham
speak at the Court of Sessions in behalf of Ragge and his
wife. His delivery was fluent and forcible. His action
vehement. His position was erect while his countenance
was very expressive. In short though I think that he wants
the graces, yet he certainly possesses all the effective pow¬
ers of the orator. He is very ingenious in reasoning and
has a capital knowledge of the law. Time glides by with¬
out my making that progress in my law studies which I
deem most desirable.

Life is short, and Time is long
Man is weak, but God is strong.

Nov. 26th. Sun. eve. Have not been to church today.
Read some and copied some of grandfather Edmonds
letters.

Tuesday Nov. 28th, eve. Last evening I called upon
Miss Betts. Today was at the trial of Snowdon and Mil-
lett. Patent case.

Dec. 3rd. Sunday eve. Heard Mr. Johnson in the
morning. Walked out Myrtle Ave. after church. At sun¬
set walked. with Mr. Hyde to the Heights south of the
city. The view was enchanting, one of Nature’s and man’s
most glorious panoramas.

The shadows of night were gathering around,

The blasts of December swept piercingly by,

While a wanderer gazed in sorrow profound
O’er a scene of rare beautv, the cloud-crested skv.

Dec. 8th. Read 100 pages in Kent, at the City Hall,
at Bartlett and Welfords book store, saw an arithmetic
manuscript 1435 date, a copy of the Theodocian Code, etc.
and the Rev. Wm. Morgan. Thanksgiving Day.

^34

1^43]

Dec. 14th. It is extremely cold. The mercury is at
15. I shall dine at Mr. Morton’s and then go over to New
York. The family are at Church. College Thanksgivings
and college days are passing into the horizon.

Christmas. Attended mass at the Cathedral this morn¬
ing. Pynchon called after my return. This is to me a
most lonely Christmas. Classmates and old friends are
scattered far and wide. Life looks cheerless and dreary
yet I thank God for many blessings.

Dec. 27th. Wed. eve. One year has almost gone, to
how little purpose have I lived for more than twenty years.
I have some prospect of entering another office for the
purpose of studying. But some untoward circumstance I
fear will intervene to break it up as has been the case in
now so many instances.

Dec. 28th. Fri. eve. This day has passed not without
some events interesting to me. I have made an ar¬
rangement with Mr. Noyes, to enter his office on the mem¬
orable 8th of Jan. next. I have also finished Kents
Corn’s, after reading them carefully and looking out many
of the references. I have today learned that Elizabeth
Prince is to be married to Mr. Child of Rochester, her
brother informs that he is a suitor every way desirable,
Heaven give her such a one! She has been the playmate
of my childhood, and the companion of my maturer years.
She is handsome, amiable, and has a fortune. She truly
deserves a good husband. Yet the idea of her being
married seems to me much the same as her being buried.

Youth and its scenes fade in dimness away
While its hopes and its joys in sadness decay.

•

1 844

13s

I '■

■

• - . ' ■ •

I J843]

January 4th. Thurs. eve. It is four years yesterday
since I commenced this journal. It seems but a day. How
differently am I situated now from then. Old friends and
college scenes are fading in the distance while alone and
fearful I go forth into the broad world.

Shall we mourn for the friends that are scattered and gone?
Shall we mourn for the joys that no more shall return?

Jan. 8. Mond. eve. This memorable anniversary is a
day with events for me. I have left Mr. Livingston's
office, and commenced studying at \Ym. Curtis Noyes’
office, 34 Wall St. Mr. Livingston felt apparently less
reluctance to make the transfer than I did to announce my
wishes in regard to it. He is an amiable man and I am
under obligations to him, but I think I shall enjoy greater
advantages where I now am. I made my appearance at
the new office at 10 a.m. Mr. Noyes gave me Burrills
Practice to read and Graham's Jurisdictions. Everything
appears well. Mr. Noyes is a man perhaps of 40, gentle¬
manly and quiet in his manners, and to give my first im¬
pressions of the occupants besides him, I will begin with
Mr. Marvin who is a Counsellor. He is pleasant and
good natured, ill favored by nature but his voice and con¬
versation evince such goodness of heart that all is over¬
looked. Mr. Williams is another employee there, I have
seen very little of him during the day. He struck me as
less intellectual than the other two gentlemen of whom I
have already spoken, he is not 30, and has a fine flow of
spirits. There was an old man of 70 there who has been
writing all day and scarcely spoken or moved from his
chair, except to walk to the grate and warm his hands
as if the blood did not flow freely through his aged limbs.
I do not know his name but I should think he was an
Englishman. He is quite corpulent and looks as if he
liked a glass of porter. There are three young men there
about my own age. The oldest, whose name is Powers
appears to be employed as a clerk, he was engaged all day

136

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\JH3\

in writing and keeps a great many papers. He appears
like an intelligent and industrious person. The next in
age I was not introduced to, he impressed me rather un¬
favorably. The youngest of the three is named Lee. He
is good looking, industrious, and amiable, i.e. judging from
appearances. The last person in the office that I saw today
was a boy named Henry. He is small and ugly aged about
13. He is however rather humorous and seems to be quite
the butt of the office.

Jan. 14th. 1844. Sun. eve. I have today listened to
two sermons preached by the Rev. Dr. Cunningham who
is here collecting money to build free Churches in Scot¬
land. Will the flame of Republican Liberty ever burn
on those altars. It is a little spark but if God spares my
life I trust I shall see a bright flame. The Dr. is a tall
large man with a large head and most intellectual phiz.
Dined at Mrs. Morton's today. Am reading the 21st. book
of the I Iliad.

Jan. 23rd. Fri. eve. Was invited last night to a musical
soiree at Mrs. Hulls’ but like a clown chose to remain
absent. I have rather more copying to do in my new
office than is quite desirable. Things glide on pleasantly.

As all of my entries are made in the evening there is
no necessity of my announcing the fact. Sunday I was
at the Dutch Reform Church, corner of Fulton and Wil¬
liam Streets. Received a letter today from N. B. Mar¬
shall, it is very pleasant to hear from an old classmate.
Yesterday I saw the ship Zurich launched, it was a goodly
sight. The Stripes and Stars, the Tricolor, and the cross
of the Canton of Zurich floated from her rigging as she
glided into the arms of her betrothed. God speed her.

Jan. 26th. Every day like the one that precedes it.
Cousin Charlotte leaves tonight, or rather I have taken
leave of her tonight, she goes in the morning. This or
some other cause renders me low spirited tonight.

137

{1844}

Why has God made me as I am?

A being weak, forlorn
Who in the bitterness of grief

Doth curse the day when he was born.

Why has God made me as I am?

To walk this world alone,

And in the fulness of my heart

To look for bread, and find a stone.

Oh God! Thou are most good, most great,

Thou rulest for the best,

Then when Thy chasten ings heavy fall
Teach me to feel that I am blest.

Tues. night Jan. 30th. We have had several days of
the most intensely cold weather, mercury within 6 or above
zero. I confine myself closely to law and have very little
leisure for society, reading or any other pursuits, I lost my
temper tonight for the first time in many months, and it
was for a succession of trivial causes. I showed it very
little if any.

Jan. 31st. Thus glides one month of 1844, forever
gone, 31 of the days allotted me have passed, and I trust
not unimproved. I am reading Montgomeries Lectures.
Passed the evening in “ brown study ” and reading 225
lines at the commencement of the XXII Book of the Illiad.
No poetry ever touched my feelings more sensibly than
the entreaties of Priam’s and his wife to Hector without
the walls. Nature herself could not more aptly paint the
despair and the supplications of the aged and agonized
Mother than it in these lines. * * * * All the above quota¬
tion was written by my learned friend Marcus F. Plyde,
who compassionating my puerile mode of writing Greek
took the pen and most unintelligibly finished the quotation.
However future generations will consider Hyde a great
critic and scholar if he lives.

138

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US44]

Sunday Feb. 4th. Attended Church this afternoon at
Dr. Cutler's. Yesterday finished Cruise's Digest to Vol.
V. Finished Graham's Jurisdiction also. H. S. Sanford
is in town.

Feb. 7th. I have done little this week, small things
have given me uneasiness. FI. S. Sanford was here last
night at a Ball with many more of my acquaintances. I
passed the night at the Epis. Seminary with my old friend
J. P. Taylor. This was scene second in the drama of
Boorishness.

Feb. 9th. All is dark and dreary, at times sunshine
pours in upon the mind, this life is an odd compound, for
a few days past, when I hoped to be most happy I have
been most miserable. Why is it? I know not unless it is
that I have neglected the duty which I owe to God as
well as to myself.

Oh! Where have gone the happy hours!

When all was summer sky,

My pathway strewn with loveliest flowers,

As hope stood smiling by.

Oh! on the wings of Time they fly,

And o’er the trembling chord,

Swift glides the hand of agony,

A writhing soul is stirred.

Feb. 18th. I have attended Dr. Cutler’s Church today.
This afternoon three officers of her B. M.’s ship Vestal
were at church. Two of them very ordinary appearing
men. They are said to have been intoxicated the other
night at the Native American Ball. Have not heard from
home lately. Am going in debt etc. I received two hand¬
some catalogues of the Athenaeum the other day. They
were printed from the materials I left, they seemed like
old friends.

139

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Ii844\

Feb. 24th. Last Tuesday I finished Cruise's Digest. I
learn that the Rev. James Noyes is dead. Pie married
a Holbrook, an Aunt of my Father's, and the families
were formerly very intimate. Pie was a half brother
of Prof. Silliman, and graduated at Yale College in
1782. I have derived much pleasure and profit from the
little intercourse I have had with him. His character
as a man and a clergyman combine all that was pure,
amiable and lovely. He fully answered Chaucer's descrip¬
tion of a country parson. He described to me the imposing
appearance of Washington as he appeared to him (a lad)
as he visited the public buildings and colleges at New
Haven on his way to take command of the army at Charles¬
town. Mr. Noyes was at Newport with his father in law
Gen. Silliman at the time the French fleet was there, and
was very hospitably entertained on board of the Com-
mandents Ship. Fie has at length been cut off not in the
vigor of youth or in the prime of manhood, but after hav¬
ing far outlived his “ three score and ten ” and faithfully
discharged his duty in every relation of life.

Feb. 25th. I have attended Dr. Cutlers Church all day,
both sermons and the Act of Confirmation in the morning
by Bishop Onderdonk. This prelate writes with great clear¬
ness and vigor. His sentences are short, words few and well
chosen, and his style is not in the least flowery, or figura¬
tive. His figure is noble and imposing, but his delivery
is too dogmatic and rapid, Mrs. Filley was confirmed.
After Church I walked to the Fleights opposite Governors
Island.

March 2. Saturday. On the afternoon of Feb. 28th
a large gun blew to pieces on board of the Princeton off
Alexandria killing Judge Upshur and the Hon. Mr. Gil¬
mer, Com. Kennon et al. It was one of those sudden and
terrible calamities which appear to be sent by the Al¬
mighty to enforce the truth “ that in life we are in the

(Note. See Trial of Bishop Onderdonk.)

I4O

« , i -i m AT. I I

\i844)

midst of Death Henry S. Sanford has been here for
some weeks.

March 3rd. Sunday. Attended Dr. Cutler's Church
in the morning. This afternoon walked over the hills
south of the City with Sanford. Have read of late Dickens1
Christmas Tree and Eugene Aram. I have today com¬
menced Matilda by Eugene Sue. I find in this journal
the following entry for Jan. 6th. 1840. “ Have besides the
regular course of studies begun “ Homer’s Illiad 11 of
which I have just read 25 lines.'1 “ Not much hope of
reading the XXIV Books, but I will try. I have today
completed the XXIV Books, the monstrous task as it then
appeared to me, I scarce dare to look back upon the long
interval of four years and two months through which this
neglected pleasure has been extended.

March 6th. Thursday. Yesterday I finished reading
Burrill’s Practice. Last evening I was invited to Mrs.
Steele’s to tea. I called and spent the evening there. Mrs.
Steele is much distinguished as an authoriess and has
travelled much. Her husband is an Englishman and I
entertain an instinctive aversion to Englishmen. Perhaps
it is because so many of my family suffered at their hands,
or because all that I have usually seen are sensual, selfish,
conceited. Mrs. Steele is very thin, white, delicate and
ghost-like, and strongly reminds me of my Mother. She
is not as simple and engaging in her manners and con¬
versation as Mrs. Sigourney. She appeared mild, amiable,
and depressed. I think she must suffer from ill health.
Her husband monopolized the conversation and talked
chiefly of Liverpool, hotels, ditto beef, ditto politics. I
did not converse with her sufficiently to judge in any way
of her mode of thinking, or even of expressing her thoughts.

Tuesday March 12th. I have been prevented from
using my eyes during the last two days. Yesterday I
listened to Mr. Jordan as he summed up in the case of
Van Colt vs. Van Cott. He spoke four hours and one half.

.ei] /I o) bsiivni *bv/ I soin^vo 1?juJ .wiJ3r.iT $ i utukI

[1844]

His voice is good and his manner forcible and impressive.
I have commenced Stephens on pleadings and Mitford’s
Chancery. Mr. and Mrs. Filley have just left our little
household, I miss them much.

Good Friday April 5th. Last night a mob styling
themselves “ the Native Americans ” were out and involved
themselves in such a contest with the Irish that the militia
were ordered out. A great noise was made all night.

April 1 2th. Friday. I have been at the office regularly
this week. Yesterday I saw a classmate married, the first
who has withdrawn from the bachelor list of our class.
“Jas. W. Bradin A He was quite the patriarch of the
class, but was only a short time at the college and passed
his examinations to get a diploma. He had been a Metho¬
dist clergyman for years before and was prepared to take
orders in the Episcopal Church when he graduated. Bradin
was sensible and amiable.

Sunday April 21st. The past week has seen me finish
Stephen's Pleadings and quaff largely of Lord Redesdale.
•Every evening has found me out. I was at a small party
at Mr. Noyes on Wednesday night and I have called in
the meantime on Mrs. Steele who writes as the English say
“ cleverly Mrs. Peck is a kinswoman of our Connecticut
Tomlinsons and a pretty Miss Taylor. My health is good,
saveing a little trouble with the eyes. I attended Church
in the morning, passed most of the afternoon in reading
the Vth. Vol. of Sir Walter Scott's Life. I sadly miss my
college friends and acquaintances and feel my taste for
literary pursuits and cultivation ebbing as I attempt to
thread the intricate yet attractive mazes of the law. I
"have no rivals to spur me on, no instructive conversations
or exercises to exert their beneficial influence. Instead of
that I am bored by one ignoramus after the other. For
instance the quiet and comfort of this Lord’s Day has been
broken and put to nought as far as I am concerned by a
continually talking Universalist. The dampness and cold

142

[1844]

have driven me from my little quarters down to the parlor.
My tormentor has kept as close to me as the man that rode
Sinbad. He opened his batteries immediately after break¬
fast on the subject of Universal Salvation. I knew the
folly of wasting time to discuss the matter with him, and
so informed him directly that I believed heartily and
wholly in the Thirty nine Articles, that I believed neither
more nor less and never should I trust at any future period.
Instead of leaving me to my own reading and reflections,
he has favored me with quotations, remarks, and read some
time aloud, to all which edifying exertions on his part I
have made the grateful return of not the slightest attention.
He has just now reentered the room with the Scriptures
and is engaged in hunting up some texts to hurl at my un¬
belief. A military funeral has just passed the house, it is
a solemn soothing pageantry that teaches the old and bit¬
ter, yet oft forgotten lesson. We must go down to the grave
and the skill, the strength, the pride of man must bow like
reeds to the wind when the black clouds gather above. I
have just been reading the extracts from Sir Walter’s Diary
where he speaks of the death of his wife, they are touch¬
ing in the extreme for they are the simple expressions of
grief, the deep heartfelt grief of an old man when the part¬
ner of life precedes him to the grave.

Monday eve. April 29th. Last Saturday I went with
Chas. Chapman to Governors Island, to Hoboken and to
the Academy of National Design. The day was cold and
unpleasant so that I did not enjoy it much. I gave Charles
my Gold Athenaeum Badge. How many recollections of
college does that same badge awaken in my mind. Last
evening I heard Dr. Coxe preach against Unitarianism.

May 2. Passed the evening at Mr. Noyes, crossed at
the South Ferry. The leaves have come out on the trees
in a most beautiful manner. Have concluded that I read too
much and reflect too little upon it. My grandfather told
me so when I was a small boy.

• • ' -•

W44]

May 8th. 1 he first year of my law course expires to¬
day. I consumed my three months vacation to commence
with, and from the eighth of August until today I have
been constantly in the office studying.

Sat. May i8th. During the past week Mr. Noyes has
been absent from the City. I have commenced Chitty’s
Pleadings, the great repository of legal lore. Yesterday
afternoon I attended the examinations of the Supreme
Court Attorneys. I should have gone to a little pic nic but
it rained as it has done for the most of this month, which
has been far more cold and unpleasant than the month of
April. Last night I heard Mr. Macready play Othello.

at once pronounced him better in that character than in
anything I had seen him play, but turning back I find
I have recorded the same opinion in respect to his Macbeth.

e is trul} the gieatest Tragedian of the age, and J regret
that he has lived so great a share of his three score and ten.

Sat. May 25th. This week has been to me an uneventful
one speaking comparatively. Tues. and Wed. I waited
m the Supreme Court to hear Mr. Webster. Thurs. morn¬
ing he commenced, I had a good position to see and hear
im. The crowd was so great that I was forced on to the
platform by the side of the Judges. Mr. Webster spoke
for two and Tt hours. Fie leans back, his eyes glisten, he
gesticulates moderately, but with ease and dignity, his
delivery is slow and impressive, but his intellect shines
forth in the clear and simple method which he presents
and argues a question of law in Court.*

Last evening as the trembling of my hand indicates
vias a night of (for me) dissipation. I was at a party at
Mr. Woods, the eminent Counsellor. I went with Mrs.
Steele and passed a pleasant evening but did not dance.

n some conversation with this eminent veteran of the
piofession. He inquired about my studies, told me I was
reading too fast, and advised me to read Blackstone con-

•There was a profile sketch of him in the journal.

1 44

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[/<?.«]

Uantly and above all to write out for myself the meaning
of all the professional terms, commit them to memory and
say them over before breakfast, before sleeping at all times
so that they will be accurately and indellibly engraved upon
my memory. It was from such a course as this he told me
that he derived the greatest benefit, and that at this day
he could repeat any part of Blackstone. I have formed
this and another good resolution which I pray God will
give me strength to fulfill.

Thurs. May 30. I have lately finished Marshall’s Life
of Washington, and nearly one half of Chitty’s Pleadings.
It seems as if something mvsterious was connected with
all my approaches to Society here, sickness or death con¬
stantly . intervene to prevent all renewals of social inter¬
course when pleasant acquaintance are once formed. Mrs.
Steele’s father died of the breaking of a blood vessel while
I was at the party (spoken of in my last) with her. Very
much to the disappointment of the friends of Mr. Van
Buren, Jam. H. Polk has been nominated for the Presi¬
dency. He is a “ novus homo ” at the North.

Wednesday I go to Connecticut. I hope
I may pass my time pleasantly there. I have some hopes
of being appointed Commissioner of Deeds for Connecti¬
cut by Gov. Baldwin of that State. He is a friend of our
family, and prepared in 1838 a fine obituary notice of my
grandfather.

WATERTOWN

Sunday June 1 6th . It is now nearly two weeks since
I have had a pen in my hands. Wed. I reached Conn.
On Thursday I rode over to Mr. Bellamy’s with Joseph
Noyes, in the afternoon I was seized with violent pain in
the head and some fever and from that time until the
present I have scarcely left my bed. Gov. Baldwin says
that he will give me my Commission whenever I apply
to him. Thus passes my three months vacation, the first

145

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[i 844]

ten days sick in bed. Heaven grant that I may spend the
remainder more pleasantly. Study, poetry, reading, all
my grand dreams of improvement are thus far but mere
bubbles.

June 19th. Wed. morn. One year ago today and I was
to have officiated as College Marshall in the reception of
John Tyler at Hartford if his visit had not been prevented
by the death of Mr. Legare. Today I am un convalescent
of the home hospital. I have resumed the copying of
grandfather’s letters. It is warm today and the spirit of
dullness and quiet hours seems to brood over our still little
village.

Sunday June 23. Attended church all day. E. Prince
and her intended husband were there. I call with Father
to see them, next Wed. eve. I shall see her married at
Litchfield. It is melancholy to think that this is the last
evening I shall ever walk down to Mrs. Cutler’s to see
Elisabeth Prince. During fifteen years I have known her,
as a playmate in childhood, as a boarding school Miss, and
as a young lady. She is the last one that remains un¬
married of the very few with whom my younger days
have any endearing associations. Flow merrily we made the
old kitchen ring with Blindmans Buff. But alas for the
players, some lie low in the dust, all are scattered and gone.

Sat. June 29th. Wed. I was at E. Prince’s wedding.
The evening passed off very pleasantly, some sixty or
seventy guests present. I was introduced to Mr. Asa
Bacon who related an anecdote of Judge Edmond who
sat as junior Judge when he made his first argument before
the court. Several old acquaintances were there from
Brooklyn, Flartford, and elsewhere. I slept very little at
the. hotel that night on account of the heat and noise. The
next day I returned to Watertown with Mr. Prince and
Charles. Yesterday I rode on horseback to Bethlehem in
55' from there I went with the ladies to Mr. Whitlock’s
in Southbury and in the evening I returned to Mr. Bel-

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lamy's. About 9 o'clock as I sprang into the saddle my
horse plunged and threw me over on the side so that I
had to grasp him round the neck to avoid falling on my
head. He dragged me in this way three rods when I was
forced to release my hold. As I fell to the ground he
sprang clear of me though his hind heels almost came in
collision with my head. I was injured but slightly by the
fall, though today I do not feel well. But I feel grateful
to that kind Providence that rendered it no greater. I
am hindered from using my eyes as much as I desire to do
on account of a series of swellings of the lid since I have
been sick.

Sunday July 7th. My eyes are better. The past week
has passed off very quickly. Monday was devoted to letter
writing. Tues. afternoon I went with Geo. Woodruff to
Lake Quasapog and in the course of four hours we caught
ninety fish. Thursday I attended a large Whig celebra¬
tion of our National Anniversary at Woodbury. The
Loco Focos held one at the same time and the crowds were
numbered by thousands. Long trains of waggons came
pouring over the hills in all directions with music and
banners, while their passage through the street was greeted
with the ringing of bells and the firing of cannon. If the
stern, sober people of Connecticut yield thus to the ex¬
citement of a popular election, what fearful consequences
may we not expect in future to result from similar scenes?
Friday I rode to Plymouth to see Butler and Singletery
of North Carolina who is rusticating there. Yesterday I
made my maiden speech before a court. In the afternoon
I strolled into Hemingway's tavern to listen to the Exam¬
ination of Dr. Davis charged with beating his son so as
to endanger his life. The prisoner requested me to act
as Counsel for him, my father being on the opposite side
and he having none. 1 did so, but proof and popular
prejudice were too strong against my client. He was

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11844}

bound over to the County Court in bonds of $100.00 which
are so small that he considered it a triumph.

July 1 ith. 1 hurs. On Monday last I went on horse¬
back to Derby where I made a very pleasant visit until
yesterday when I returned. Tues. eve. I was at a party at

Mrs. Sanford's. Prof. Elton is to pass a part of the day at
our house.

HARTFORD

Monday July 15th. After an absence of almost a year
here I am within the precincts of my Alma Mater. I have
been up to the college and seen several old friends. Noth¬
ing affected me so sensibly as to go into the old college
chapel to attend evening prayers and meet none of my
classmates, a thing that never before occurred. There
were their names scribbled over the seats, there were the
same pra\ers read, all was the same, in the rush of my
own feelings it seemed as if I was transported back to other
da) s, but still not one of those old faces I met so often
in the recitation rooms was there. I feel more at home in
Hartford than anywhere else. I have always enjoyed my¬
self well here, and have more acquaintances here than else¬
where. I trust I shall spend a pleasant week, this has been
a delightful day. The very air I inhale invigorates me.

I am boarding at Mrs. Powers, with whom I boarded the
last college year.

M ed. July 17th. Yesterday it rained nearly all day.

I slept little or none, Monday night I was too fatigued to
sleep. I have left Mrs. Powers and am now at the City
Hotel, some of Mrs. P s absent boarders returned unex¬
pectedly and occupying my room there. I passed part of
last evening at Bishop Brownell's and have an invitation
to be there this evening. Miss Clerc I fould was out of
town, called also on the Misses Drapers. I find my name
recorded in the Secretary of State’s office as a Commis¬
sioner to take oath and acknowledgements in the State of
New York.

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Friday July 19th. City Hotel Hartford, This is my last
entry in Hartford, this afternoon I leave with Butler for
Watertown quite unexpectedly to myself. Yesterday eve¬
ning I was at the President's party for the Senior Class. I
have seen many old friends and passed a very pleasant week.
My hasty departure deprives me of the pleasure of taking
tea at Mrs. Trumbull’s this afternoon. Her daughter is the
only lady I have ever more than simply admired, yet I never
met her but that I always became more awkward and stupid
than usual. It seems as if Fate ordained that every im¬
pediment should be thrown in my way from some external
causes whenever I have made an approach towards culti¬
vating the acquaintance. But I have sworn that my course
must be onward and turn from it I will not. “ Qoud scrip-
turn est.”

Watertown Sat. July 27. Last Monday I went with
Mother to Newtown. Tues. I rode to Danbury, in the
afternoon I went with a number of gentlemen and ladies
over into the State of New York on a horseback excursion.
Wed. I returned with Dr. Wm. E. Booth to Newtown.
Thursday I was detained by the rain and yesterday I re¬
turned to Watertown and brought with me Mary Booth.
Today Calvin Butler and Malcolm came over and dined
with me, death is written on the features of the former.
Unfortunate young man, just as he has entered with some
success upon his professional career he finds himself
brought to the verge of the grave with an incurable disease.

Tues. July 30th. Tomorrow I leave to attend Wash.
Coll. Commencement. How differently do I now regard
this anniversary from what I have heretofore done.

Sun. Aug. 4. The rain prevented my leaving to attend
Commencement until Thursday morning. At Plymouth I
took in M. N. Butler and we made our appearance in
Church just as the speaking closed. The customary dinner
passed off very agreeably at the Athenaeum Hotel. After

149

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dinner we had a class meeting of those who were there
consisting of Messrs. Clerc, Preston, J. P. Taylor, Horton.
Curtis, Welles, Long, Scott, Cornwall, and Gardiner. In
the evening I was at a party given by the President, after
some other festivities and some serenading I retired to rest
but not to sleep. The next day I returned to Watertown.
The weather was intensely hot and my eyes became so much
inflamed that I have to make this entry as brief as possible.

Aug. 7th. Wed. night. Vacation is becoming dull and
tedious. I sigh for a little more bustle. So long as I can
read and reflect time flies pleasantly, but one cannot do
these two things constantly and riding on horseback con¬
stitutes mv chief mental relaxation.

Sat. Aug. 17th. I am reading Blackstone and commit¬
ting the definitions to memory. Wed. I went to Newtown,
the next day I rode over to Zoar and went a little out of
mv wav to see the house mv Father was born in and the
acres that come with it from my great great grandfather
who was the Nimrod and Cortez of the hills in that vicinity
rather more than a century ago. Mr. Chapman dined at
our house today and says that he will have me appointed
Commissioner of Deeds for Massachusetts, nous verrons.

Thurs. Aug. 22. I have just returned from Litchfield
where I have been since last Tues. The Supreme Court
is in Session or its circuit branch rather, which is called
here the Superior Court. Chief Justice Williams on the
Bench. I have listened to the arguments of some “ de cele-
bres hommes ” in the profession. I was much struck both
with surprise and admiration at the summing up of a cause
by Leman Church. His appearance is that of a little with¬
ered old man five feet four inches. His figure is such as I
should conceive would be produced by the distortion of

every joint and then suffering it to grow into a new socket

when in a state of dislocation. His dress was more rusty
and uncouth than even his crooked little form appeared.
But when he rose to address the jury all conversation ceased

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in the Court Room, people put forward their heads to
catch every word that fell from his thin wrinkled lips,
while the only token of intelligence that I could perceive
in his countenance was the rolling of his clear blue eyes
that shone in strange contrast with his black shriveled
visage. All note of his personal appearance ceased when
I became a listener. He spoke with due energy both of
voice and gesture, but he presented the complicated ques¬
tions at issue in the most masterly manner to the minds of
the jury. His division of the case was clear and methodical,
he evidently possessed a clear analysis in his mind while
he reasoned with great logical skill and with such power
that it seemed to impart the truth and that only to the
minds of his listeners. His style was nervous and perspicu¬
ous but never diffuse. Here is a complimentary sketch
taken from memory of our hero. Truman Smith spoke
also. His action is great, every nerve and muscle appears
to partake of his mental movements, he's strong but does
not husband it with sufficient care, his stvle is diffuse and
rambling, but before he closes every point is touched upon
and that too in no slight or hasty manner.

Tues. Aug. 27. I have been . perseveringly reading
Blackstone until today. Today I have for the second time
tried a cause. I appeared in behalf of the town against
my former client Dr. Davis who was charged with theft

from the person of one - Chas. B. Phelps, Sprague

and one law student from Litchfield to look out references,
were on the other side. I was opposed to this triumvirate
and unsuccessfully so. I struggled as much as I could for
my side but the magistrates did not bind him over. But
alas for all my self-complacency, since I left the court I
see where I might (I think now) have prevented most of
the evidence that was detrimental to us from being intro¬
duced, for the reason that it was hearsay. This tells me
how little I am qualified to enter the legal arena, how much
1 am deficient in quickness of apprehension and sharp-

dHi ol *(lno bns aril liBQffii 01 horni^ li teri)

I • ' 1 ' •

C 1844]

sightedness and in that legal acumen which is the result
of long practice or a great mental capacity which enables
the mind to embrace everything in its grasp. But I trust
that I shall never again commit so gross a blunder though
I cannot perceive that anybody was conscious of it at the
time. May I never suffer hearsay evidence to be again
introduced when I conduct a trial without my perceiving
it.

Sun. night. Sept. ist. Autumn comes with a bright
and smiling face. It has been a beautiful day. May Sep¬
tember show us many like it for I would that the few days
before I write myself a man (per legem) might be clear
and sunny like those of far off childhood now so fast fad¬
ing away in the dimness of the pleasant past.

Mon. night. Sept. 2nd. I had some conversation today
with a visitor of my Father's. Cap. Wilson who served
through the Revolutionary War in Gen. Clinton's Brigade
New York Line. Among other incidents he mentioned
that he was one of the Guard that escorted Major Andre
to the place of execution. Two American Colonels locked
arms with the prisoner in this his last march, at the side
of Colonel walked a minister of the Dutch Reform Church.
Captain Wilson walked in the centre of the platoon imme¬
diately behind these so that he heard all the conversation
that passed. They marched first through a buckwheat
stubble field into an old orchard which brought them in
sight of the gallows. At this Andre started back saying
“My God! is this the way I am to die?” One of the
officers told him that he “ must be too well acquainted with
the martial law not to be aware of the punishment that
awaited him as a spy.” The minister then spoke to him of
the necessity of thinking of the great change that awaited
him. He replied that he had thought of it as much as
either of them, and that he wished that they would say
nothing further to him on that subject. On reaching the
spot Andre ascended the camp waggon, adjusted the halter

152

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I J844\

under his stock and tied the bandage over his eyes, pre¬
viously taking leave of the officers and calling upon all
present to take note and witness that he died like a brave
man in the service of my king and my country. The provost
major then gave the signal, with his sword, the camp horses
moved slowly on, his feet dragged on the bottom of the
waggon, caught for an instant on a halter chain, passing
between the staves at the back of the waggon and then
swung forward into eternity. He raised his arms which
were pinioned at the elbows with what appeared to be a
piece of white holland like one falling and all motion for¬
ever ceased. Capt. W. says that Andre was apparently
about 25 with a slight and handsome figure. I have given
his statement as nearly as I could in his own language,
and it is undoubtedly correct as he is a man of great
respectability and good sense and most likely the only sur¬
viving eye witness of that sad scene.

Wed. aft. Sept. 4th. I have just finished reading Black-
stone for the third time. Tomorrow I leave for New York
and my next entry will date at Brooklyn.

BROOKLYN

Sept. 6th. Fri. night. I reached here last evening after
a pleasant jaunt via the Housatonic railroad. I find my¬
self again in the old quarters, and everything both in
Brooklyn and New York going on much as usual.

Sept. 7th. Sat. I have written to Gov. Baldwin for
another commission being unable to find the one that has
been made out and transmitted. My classmate Brainard
passed a part of the morning with me. I have studied
none at all today, it seems as if the dust and ashes of the
city choked me. I have passed it very unsatisfactorily.

Tues. Sept. 10th. I have today received my Commis¬
sion from Gov. Baldwin. I am reading Chitty’s Plead -
ings, 50 pages per diem and the Doctor and Student. I
have resolved to read “ Thier’s Revolution Francaise” at
Capt. CoggeshalTs recommendation, who offers to loan me

153

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11844]

a copy of a splendid Paris edition. I am reading some of
Cicero's Orations, that one for Archias I have read with
the greatest pleasure.

It rains violently without while I feel miserable and
cheerless. We are on the eve of a Presidential election,
among the important responsibilities I incur upon attaining
my majority is that of voting. It is a sacred privilege and
after diligently considering the matter in my own mind I
feel bound to sustain Mr. Clay. Great excitement prevails
throughout the country, but I think not as much as in 1840.
The country is in a more prosperous condition. Torch
light processions and evening meetings are of almost con¬
stant occurrence.

Sat. eve. Sept. 28th. There is a violent storm without,
the weather is extremely cold for this season. The mercury
in Fahrt. therm, at 53 but a good fire in my room renders
it quite cheerful. This is the last evening of my minority.
I know not why it is but I look forward to that anniver¬
sary which renders me twenty one with sad misgivings
for the future. A birthday is with me a day consecrated
to meditation, vain regrets, and good resolves and none
have presented themselves where meditations upon the past
and unyielding resolves for the future are so needed as
upon that which tomorrow ushers in. I cannot conceive
how any reasonable creature can spend in thoughtless mer¬
riment a day that tells us our life lease is shortening, our
talents buried and we ourselves weak and weary plunging
into the dread future.

Sept. 29th. I am today 21 years of age. Childhood and
youth have ceased to be and henceforth by the law of the
land I write myself a man. How bitterly do I regret the
errors of the past. How sorrowfully do I dwell on the
recollection of departed years. How stern are my resolves
for the future. It seems as if the elements conspired to
render this sad anniversary still more gloomy, such a storm

154

Ii844\

as rarely visited our coast is raging without, which I trust
is not typical of my future career.

Wed. night. Oct. 2nd. I am reading “ Coningsby v by
the author of “ Venetia \ It is one of the few novels I
read. One of those that I must rank with “ Corinne ” and
“ Eugene Aram ” in the impressions they make on me.
The characters are well sustained especially the Eton Boys,
it bears upon its face the mystic stamp of a great and cul¬
tivated genius. A boat excursion on the river yesterday
and a sad headache today have interfered with the law
recentlv.

Tu es. Oct. 8th. Have been since dinner at Gowanus
on an unsuccessful shooting excursion. I have led a
leisurely life for the last few days in order to dissipate
a fixed pain in the chest. At noon I listened to the Vale¬
dictorian at the Col. College Commencement. His piece
was in poetry so that it had none of the usually touching
effect of a Valedictory. Yesterday I called on Mrs. But¬
ters. She bears the loss of her husband better than I ex¬
pected she could. Poor fellow he reached Demarara but
to die there. I find he wished the copy of Rabelais to be
given to me if he did not return.*

Fri. eve. Oct. 1 8th. For the last two days my eyes
have been inflamed. Yesterday morning I passed in the
Vice Chancellor’s Court. I heard Benj. F. Butler on the
Cruger case. In the afternoon I attended the Fair of the
American Institute. This day I have spent in the Superior
Court. The storm without and the blues within put me
in a rhyming mood.

There was a time when all was bright.

A summer sky serene,

Hope shed her soft inspiring light,

And Fancy crowned the scene:

But Oh the change! the bitter change!

Dark clouds obscure that sky,

•Note. Rabelais would certainly be a good antidote.

155

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■ 'i. i.-.d h ?m*J b ' : // or» H

Ii844\

And all my thoughts mid sorrows range
While not one friend is nigh.

Bright were my dreams in Learning's Halls,

And at her shrine I knelt,

But sainted sleep within those walls
The hopes that there have dwelt,

And lone my course along the way
That cheerlessly I tread
No kindly voice that bids me stay
Save “ halt! among the dead.”

Oh who will mourn when I am gone,

Or stay to drop one tear,

Of sorrow on that cold, cold stone
Unfeeling hands may rear?

True I shall sleep and know it not,

Then why should I repine
That none will come to bless the spot,

The spot I may call mine.

Sunday Oct. 20th. This morning attended the French
Church. I have resumed reading “The Prairie Bird ” an
Englishman’s imitation of Cooper. I do not think it is
entitled to the praise I have heard bestowed upon it. It
wants originality.

Oct. 23. Wed. Last Evening I was at a little party
at Miles. Robert, quite a mixture of French and English
were present. The excitement which usually precedes a
Presidential Election is greater now than I have ever
known it. There is almost uninterrupted series of bell
ringing, cannon firing, and processions. I ardently desire
Mr. Clay’s success, but make no public demonstration of
my wishes. I progress slowly with the law. I have too
many irons in the fire, though they are all literary. My
former fondness for novel-reading seems to revive, but I
find it is too alluring a relaxation. Within a few weeks I

156

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U844]

have read “ Coningsby ”, “ Prairie Bird ” and “ Arrah
Niel

Wed. Oct. 30. I have today done little else than at¬
tend the Whig gathering in New York. I had a fine view
of it as it came up Broadway from a window on the corner
of Trinity Churchyard. One man near me counted the
horses, he said there were 2,328 of them, another counted
the men in the procession, and according to his estimate
there were about 9,300 in it, and probably ten times that
number spectators. The time consumed by the procession
in passing where I was standing was 2 hours and 30
minutes. Every window as far as the eye could reach up
Broadway was filled with heads and waving handkerchiefs.
The most striking feature was the number of ornamental
platforms drawn by horses with artisans of every kind
working on them.

I have received through the kindness of Mrs. Steele an
invitation to a small party at Miss Peck’s, but I send a
note declining it more from the growing unsociality of my
habits than for any other reason. I daily perceive that I
am growing indolent and even when perceiving am too
torpid to arouse myself from it. I have today received
a letter from my classmate N. B. Marshall, by it I learn
that he with the Kers is at the Medical College in Phila¬
delphia.

Sun. Nov. 3. Thursday I went to the Bowery Theatre
to see Putnam which has had a great run for the last three
months. It is a mass of trash and bombast and taken as a
whole it is supremely ridiculous. I have suffered from a
severe toothache and I am now suffering from a remedy
worse than the disease, that is killing the nerve with arsenic.
This morning attended the French Church.

Nov. 8. Thurs. A bleak unpleasant day. I voted yes¬
terday for the first time. It is one of those important steps
which should be recorded in this journal of my life, steps
which alas serve only to mark a journey from infancy to

*57

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U844]

the tomb. I cast my maiden vote for Henry Clay because
I believed that in so doing I was voting to sustain those
principles and that Constitution which every American
is bound to, and which my brave and virtuous grandfather
sustained with his blood on the field of battle, and with
the wisdom of his maturer years in the Counsel Chamber
of the nation. God grant that I may be like him. Brave,
wise and good.

Sat. Nov. io. The vote of this state has gone against
Mr. Clay. There is little or no hope of his election to
the Presidency. It is a matter to be deeply regretted that
after a life spent in the public service of the country, he
cannot descend into the grave crowned with this last honor.
Nothing can equal the grief and disappointment of the
Whigs. Many even of those who apparently have taken
but little interest in his Election, have shed tears upon
hearing the unexpected result. And all parties express
their sorrow for Mr. Clay. On Monday night I am to
speak against my own belief in justifying the execution
of Louis XVI. But some one must take the weak side of
the question or we would have no debates.

Nov. 1 6. Sat. night. I have been out most of the day
with Mr. Filley shooting in the woods near Greenswood
Cemetary. We had very good sport considering the lo¬
cality, among other things we shot one grey squirrel. I
have rarely passed a day more pleasantly. It was one of
those unclouded, warm, beautiful days, such as autumn
occasionally gives us, as it were to render us more sensitive
to its fogs and its chills. The air was pure and bracing
and the very inhaling it was a pleasure. Though I have
walked some fifteen miles and am much fatigued as well
as suffering from blistered feet yet I must confess that I
have not passed a day as pleasantly for a long, long, time.
Monday I commenced Story’s Equity. I find the style
pleasing, the arrangement of the subject clear and ana¬
lytical and great learning shown in the notes and authori¬
ties.

158

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[1844]

Wed. Nov. 20. Called this evening on Miss Howland,
found there a copy of a poem written two years since in
Hartford by a young lady to a friend of mine. I have
just completed the tenth and last volume of Thier’s Revolu¬
tion Francaise. I commenced reading it Sept. 13.

Fri. Nov. 22. Last evening I was at a soiree musicale
at Mrs. Hull’s. The music was fine, much of it Italian.
It required a better judge than myself to appreciate it.
I met there two female authoresses, Mrs. Steele, with whom
I am acquainted, and Mrs. Emma C. Embury. The latter
had a very pretty daughter who sang well and made, though
quite young, an extremely graceful appearance.

Sun. Nov. 24. Attended the French Church in the
morning, Mr. Johnson’s this afternoon. I have engaged
to write a lecture for the Hamilton Association to be de¬
livered in a few weeks. I have chosen for my subject the
Knights of Malta, and am now reading Constable's History
or I should say, his edition of Sutherland’s History of that
distinguished order.

Wed. 27th. Nov. Have read very little law for the
past two days. I called today on Miss Barnard, but I must
say Mrs. Thompson, for she has married a gentleman of
that name since I left Hartford. She was absent, I found,
on a visit to Hartford. I then called on Mrs. Butters and
Starr and then at the Seminary. I searched in vain for
some books relating to the Knights of Malta at the Library.

A La Belle Inconnue,

“ Ma belle inconnue,” ’tis to thee,

A stranger writes “ Adieu.”

Much fears he lest you think it rude.

Oh pardon, hear him through.

Alone where strangers worship God.

Friendless he knelt to pray

When lo! A light upon his path
Shed its benignant ray.

L At'- 1 A rtlfl .

■

U844]

But you, fair lady were the light,

Your softly, mild blue eyes,

Made in the stranger’s cheerless heart,

Visions of Beauty7 rise.

He thought, oh then! Of other days,

But they Alas! are fled,

He thought of kindred and of friends,

But they sleep with the dead.

And then he asked “ Oh can it be,

The Ladye with the graceful mien,

Will cast one little thought on me
When I no more am seen?”

Then when he leaves perchance for aye
May he not write to you,

These feeble words, these lingering lines,

Of his long, long Adieu.

Nov. 28th. Thursday. This is Thanksgiving Day in
Connecticut. They are all of the Connecticut stock where
I board, so that we have quite a Thanksgiving here in the
precincts of the Empire State. Went with Mr. Burt to
see an inquest taken before a Sheriff’s Jury. Mr. Burt is
quite obliging to me, and takes frequent opportunities to
afford me instruction and information and especially in
matters of practice. He has been in the office but a few
months, and is considered rather crabbed but from some
cause he treats me with marked regard. Acres, a young
Englishman, employed as a clerk at the office was severely
wounded by being stabbed in the back part of his head on
the night of the Loco precession; he convalesced for a few
days but is now in the Hospital raving mad.

The Loco Focos were a schism within the Republican or Anti-Whig party
which originated between 1832-1836. Their demand was sound money, free trade
and non-interfedence by Government which eventually became the platform of the
Democratic party.

Their name arose from a circumstance in New York, when the regular
Republicans tried to stampede an evening meeting and put out the lights, the
equal rights people were prepared with Loco Foco matches and candles and
continued their debate.

l60

r' r, t j, j boddsio «Htni b^bhnoo b«.«

\JS44\

Thanksgiving Day . Thursday Dec. 12. This anni¬
versary brings with it our first snow storm. Who can tell
under what circumstances the occurrence of this Festival
will find him in the ensuing year? Joyful or sad, well,
sick, or dead. Mr. Taylor has invited me to dine with
him and Mr. and Mrs. Childs where I expect to pass the
day very pleasantly.

Sat. Dec. 1 6th. I have for more than twenty-four hours
suffered from an uninterrupted headache. I am reading
Classical Essays, Correspondence and Lectures by the Ger¬
man Philologists, translated and collected in a volume
entitled “ Classical Studies.”

Sun. Dec. 17th. I heard a sermon from Bishop Hop¬
kins of Vermont this morning. The subject was “ brotherly
love being the love of God.” His appearance is quite
bishop like, with his large round frame, and florid com¬
plexion. He presented the subject with a great deal of
clearness, his figures were few, chaste, and scriptural, in
action he was composed and dignified, his voice seems
weak, but naturally good enough if he tried to turn it to
less purpose, this is the only fault I observed.

This afternoon I listened to a sermon from Bishop Lee
of Delaware. The subject was “ the Gospel of Jesus
Christ.” At the commencement of his discourses his voice
had an unpleasant nasal twang, but it soon subsided as he
became warmed in the subject. Pie displayed a classical
taste and cultivated mind in his style, while he arranged
his thoughts in an easy, harmonious manner that rendered
his sermon a model of pulpit perspicuity. In action he
was quite energetic using many gestures. But his emaciated
frame and ashy complexion told more of the study and
the “midnight oil” than of old Madeira and Episcopal
dinners. This evening I intend to hear Bishop Johns of
Virginia.

I have this moment returned from hearing Bishop
Johns preach. His sermon was upon the weakness and

161

[1844]

depravity of the human heart. It was delivered extempo¬
raneously and in a most interesting and eloquent manner.
His voice has a slight lisp which seems in him to be a
beauty. He manages it extremely well, his whispers being
heard through the Church with perfect distinctness, while
he seemed in some portions of his discourse to surpass
Macready in the perfection of his delivery. In personal
appearance he is prepossessing, tall, lean, and iron features
with a huge mouth, make him seem to the stranger, a John
Knox, but when he rises to speak, his kindling eye, his
modest exordium, and then his impassioned eloquence and
unceasing yet dignified action fill the mind first with in¬
terest and then with admiration.

I have today listened to three bishops and with the
utmost pleasure.

Christmas Day. I have passed the day at Mr. Mar¬
vin’s. Attended St. Peter’s Church with him in the morn¬
ing. I spent the day very pleasantly. Mr. Hyde and the
two Mr. Powers’ dined also at Mr. M's. The return of
this Festival finds me in health and the enjoyment of many
blessings, may God in kindness continue them unto me.
How much have I to be grateful for. With the New Year
may I commence a new life.

Fri. Dec. 27. There has been a violent snow storm
from the northeast. It still continues. I have not been
at the office but have remained at my room reading and
writing upon the Lecture. I have just finished reading
Plecuba with Mr. Hyde. Like the other writing of Eu¬
ripides it flows with the wisdom of Socrates. The change
from pathos to a pithy saying seems often too abrupt, yet
it has a pleasing effect.

Sat. Dec. 28th. Read fifty pages in Story’s Equity
Pleadings. Received fifty cents the first fee I ever received
as Commissioner for Connecticut. This evening I devote
to my Lecture. - *’

Sun. Dec. 29th. Attended the French Church this
morning. Written letters to N. B. Marshall and N. M.

162

K'v >i fi 1 1 . *: "

olovob T ^niti9V9 airtT JutHlooanc' ioI isnoiasimmo' 8B

[1844]

Butler. During the past week I have made slow progress
in almost everything. My lecture drags along.

Tuesday December 31st. This is my last entry under
the year 1844. During its flight I have learnt how to taste
both of the bitter and the sweet. As I review it, and ask
myself “ have I become holier and wiser than I was be¬
fore?” I see but too distinctly, how much, I have neglect¬
ed my best interests. I have today completed Story on
Equity Pleadings. Good night! to the Past Year.

The winds are hushed, the waves are still,
And yet my heart beats quick and fast.

I see the bark, the trade winds fill
The snow white sail, but to the past
I turn my sad and weary heart

And count the sweet, departed days
When ne’er I dreamed from thee to part
Regina of my earliest lays.

And at thy side another stands
Upon the gently gliding deck,

Who at the altar clasped they hands
And swore to cherish and protect
Thee as his loved and honored wife.

Well is he worth the noble heart
You pledged to him yestereve for life
But how it rends my heart to part.

Oh! Could I once again recall
The pleasant, pleasant hours,

When life was young and hope was high,
And nought was e’er but love and flowers,
But why repine, bright hopes are thine,
The wide, wide world before thee lies,
And he you love, and she above
Guard you for aye near other skies.

1 63

tot r/r • v/ mi 1 ot ba^b^Iq uoY

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lifiDDT lttt8* »»<> 1 bIU0° ,rf0

.ewwoft bns avol -ud 13 3 «fiw ulguon bnA

Vi845]

(Age 22 years!)

New Year’s Eve. 1845. Fatigued and weary with the
festivities of the day, I commence a new volume of the
records of my quiet life. A new year is dawning before
me, it may be for weal or for woe, but God grant that
it may be unto me, one of holiness, health, happiness, and
wisdom. During the day I have made Twenty eight calls,
visiting most of my friends both in New York and Brook¬
lyn. A few of them I found agreeable, but many of them
were merely formal, and where I have not called since
last New Year’s. I will here transcribe the rules by which
I have so long endeavored to regulate my conduct.

1 st. To be temperate in all things.

2nd. To always show a becoming respect for Religion
and the Clergy.

3rd. Never to surpass the limits of strict Truth.

4th. Never to speak ill of another.

5th. To treat all persons with politeness.

6th. To shun the habit of swearing.

7th. Each night to review the day, and ask God’s
blessing.

8th. To always read these Rules, after writing in this
Journal.

1845. Tuesday Jan. 7th. It has rained most of the
day, and I have remained at my room. Until dinner I
was engaged upon my lecture, since then I have been very
much interested in reading the manuscript journal of Mrs.
Whistler, the wife of Major Whistler, an American officer
now in the service of the Emperor of Russia as an En¬
gineer. It bears upon its face the evidence that it is the
production of an extremely amiable, intelligent and pious
lady. She relates every incident in a simple and interest¬
ing manner. It gives me much clearer ideas of life in St.
Petersburg than I could possibly derive from any other
source. /

Wednesday. January 8th. I have this moment ceased
listening to Ole Bull. A mere accident brought me there

164

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iuoii'i bnc )n-jg I ! )lni ,ali simf: ’(Ism >ttX9 nc !o noiouboiq

[1845]

as I was not aware that he was to perform in Brooklyn.
The “ Siciliano E Tarantella ” and “ The Carnival of
Venice ” delighted me, and though I have so little knowl¬
edge of music as not to recognize “ Yankee Doodle ” when

o o

he played it this evening after being encored, yet I have
rarely passed an evening of more exquisite pleasure. The
pleasure I derive from music is from the pleasing emotions
it excites in my mind, and the beautiful and heart stirring
pictures it causes my imagination to call up. At one
time tonight the music came boating and undulating as
from a vast distance, and unconsciously I was thinking
of a bright summer afternoon, when long years ago, brother
Henry and myself while passing a week at our Grand¬
father's, sat fishing from the rocks on the shore of a neigh¬
boring lake and heard music borne on the wind across its
surface, and were at a loss to discover the source from
whence it came. I was only aroused from this dream of
other days by finding myself borne on to realizing, for the
first time M De Stael's description of the singing in the
Sistine Chapel.

“ Non me carminibus vincet nec Thracius Orpheus,

“ Nec Linus.”

Sunday, 12th. This morning I attended the French
service. Yesterday I visited some of my old college friends
who are at the Theological Seminary. Thursday I was
presented to General Mirabeau Lamar and Commodore
Moore of Texas. Gen. Lamar is about fifty, middle sized,
and with a florid complexion. His manners are prepos¬
sessing, exhibiting all the ease and politeness of a French¬
man. Commodore Moore is younger, rather ill-favored
and has a sinister expression in his countenance.

Saturday, January 25th. Last evening I attended the
Opera of Cenerentola, the first time I have ever attended
an opera. I was charmed with the music, and earnestly
desired that I knew Italian so as to understand the words.
The audience presented a brilliant display of wealth and

165

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fashion perhaps more than is usually collected in New
York. It was over before u o'clock. Last week on Friday
I was at a small party at Mrs. Steele's. The evening passed
very pleasantly.

Wednesday, January 29th. Last night I listened to a
Temperance Lecture from young Gough. He is a very
popular Lecturer, though but little educated, he has a
glowing imagination, and a natural rude eloquence, that
render his discourses very attractive. This morning John
Horsley Palmer, late President of the Bank of England,
called at the office. This eminent Capitalist and M. P.
is on a visit to this country to settle some financial opera¬
tions. He is a complete John Bull in external appearance,
fat, florid, with large features, a deep rolling voice.

Saturday, Feb. 15th. The snow is rapidly thawing. I
have completed my Lecture. St. Valentine’s day has show¬
ered some unexpected favor on me. For the life of me I
cannot tell where they come from, but they are approxi¬
mately from one source, and that where I am well known.

Wednesday Evening, February 26th. I have this mo¬
ment finished the delivery of my Lecture before the Hamil¬
ton Lit. Association on the Knights of Malta. The audi¬
ence was very small, most of them personal friends of my
own. I have reason to believe it was well received and I
trust considered creditable to myself. Mr. Prince and his
brother were there, they were the companions of my Father
in his youth, and I suppose they felt some curiosity and
interest respecting the son. “ Sed tu desine plura puer.”

Sunday, March 2nd. This morning I listened to a
discourse from the Rev. Antoine Verren, in French. His
manner is slow, calm, and dignified. This Church was
originally established by the French Hugenots. This after¬
noon I heard a Mr. Chapin at the Universalist Church.
Fie preached in a style that is extremely popular and at¬
tractive. Mr. and Mrs. Morton arrived yesterday from
Cuba much benefited in health by their travelling. Mrs.
Chapman is here preparatory to the marriage of Charlotte.

166

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[/<?«]

Thursday, March 6th. Today I have commenced the
study of the Italian language. I can however make but
little progress until I have more books and an instructor.
Since the mornings have become more pleasant I walk
regularly upon the Battery. The fresh air is most invigorat¬
ing, and I need its sanitary influences.

GOOD FRIDAY, March 22nd. The two first cases I
have had in New York were to be tried this morning before
one of the Assistant Justices and I was not aware until near
dinner time that it was one of the Solemn days of the
Church that I was thus spending so differently from all
former ones. My cases I found had been settled. Thus
ends my first litigation ici. On the 29th, I finished read¬
ing the Revised Statutes and such Private Acts as appear
entitled to notice. Frederick Cornwall called on me the
other day; he is married, the second one of our class who
has entered into the Holy State. I was present last evening
at the first party I have attended in many months, at Mrs.
Peck's. Passed the evening pleasantly, met there Miss
Beers.

Friday, March 28th. I have today commenced read¬
ing “ Chitty on Contracts,” having just finished “ Costar vs
Lorillard 14 Wendell vs James 16 Wend.” These cases
are of the utmost importance as settling and defining the
Law of Real Estate under the Revised Statutes. For after
dinner amusement and instruction I read “ un’ poco di Le
Favole del La Fontaine tradotte in versi italienne da
Stephano Egidio Petrony.” During the past week almost
every evening has been passed in visiting. I have been
making amends for a winter’s negligence. Tonight I am
going over to New York to call on Mrs. Thompson and
Mr. Samuel A. Foote, an old friend of my Father's who
has extended to me several courteous invitations, none of
which I have as yet accepted.

Tuesday, April 1st. Walked for an hour this morning
upon the Battery. Read fifty pages in Chitty, wrote a
little at the office. Dined at half past three. Read a little

167

■

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U$45l

Italian. Walked out to Fort Greene. Read the Quarterly
Review for an hour. This is my ordinary complement of
exercise, study and relaxation. I have received a letter
from my old friend, M. N. Butler, written in his warmest
vein of humour and kindness. It is pleasant to receive a
memorial of this kind, especially in the selfishness and
capacity of a large town, that comes fresh and warm hearted
from a dweller and a friend amidst one’s native hills. I
have attempted no rhymes of late, and I have never read
but very little poetry, and when I compare my meagre
miserable productions with those of true poets, I resolve
to blot them out of existence, yet it is gratifying to read
over my old college effusions for “ auld lang syne.”

Saturday, April 6th. Attended the French Church this
morning. This evening I have run through a novel termed
“ Self Devotion.” It is the harmless offspring of a female
mind. “ My Lord ” and “ Lady ” with all the clap trap of
titular distinction etc. are of course presented and the clos¬
ing scene, a trial, in an English Court, is a perfect legal
farce. The last week has been warm and sunny, but today
brings us a slight fall of snow.

Wednesday, April 1 6th. Sunday last I visited Uncle
Robert. Yesterday went with Filey, Lee and Ordrinaux,
fellow students, on a little excursion to Staten Island. Have
of late in consequence of the weak state of my eyes fre¬
quented the Courts. Heard David Graham and Mr. At¬
torney Whiting sum up in the trial of Mrs. Bodine for
murder. Passed last evening with Mr. Coggeshall; was
introduced to a lady, Mrs. Lee, recently from Europe, a
resident of Geneva. She invited me to her house when¬
ever I chanced on a trip to Niagara. Other occupations
have forced me for a few days to neglect Italian, but this
evening I shall make up for some lost time. My Father
tells me he is a member of the Lower House and Cutler
of the Senate this spring. Their joint influence, if delicacy
permitted, would obtain for me the post of Clerk of the
Senate.

[/*#]

Wednesday, April 23rd. I have passed almost every
evening at home for the last three weeks. Have reached
the 3rd Book of the “ Favole Del La Fontaine.'' Still
reading “ Chitty on Contracts.'' Next Tuesday evening
Miss Charlotte Chapman* is to be married. I shall en¬
deavor to be present.

Friday, April 23th. Tomorrow night I intend leaving
for Derby in a small steam propeller, but a stiff gale is
springing up from the Northeast that threatens detention.
Spring renders the gardens around us one beautiful
bouquet. Pear trees have been in bloom for some days.

Monday, April 28th. Yesterday morning attended
Mr. Vinton's Church. In the afternoon I heard a sermon
by Dr. Field, Lord Bishop of Newfoundland. It was a
simple, clear, and classical discourse; I have rarely listened
to one with more attention. The Bishop is a tall, noble
looking man ; as he stood by the altar in his robes, I thought
only of an old Roman hewn out of granite. I did not sit
near enough to observe well his profile but I will attempt
something; this does him gross injustice and is so wretched
a failure that I shall make no experiments of the same
kind in future.

Thursday, May 1st. Tuesday last I left at 7 A. M.
with a number of gentlemen to attend Cousin Charlotte's
wedding. We arrived in Hartford at 3 P. M. My visit
to Hartford though brief was very agreeable.

Friday, May 2nd. I have today finshed reading
“ Chitty on Contracts." I shall now devote a few days to
a general review of “ Pleadings and Practice." Priest
passed last evening with me, Mr. C. Prince part of this.
Examined today the oldest records in King’s County Clerk’s
office extending back to 1683.

Tuesday, May 13th. The most exciting race that has
ever been in this country, came off this afternoon between
Fashion and Peytona, otherwise the North and the South,

*The mother of Mrs. John Buckingham married Mr. Samuel McLean of
Brooklyn.

169

nibs*! barltnft x®*5'1’ ,v*fl 'l*'1 ' ' : „

[1845]

for $20,000. All New York has been out there, and throngs
of persons and carriages are passing under the windows as
they return. A Mr. Berrie from Canada, three children,
and Governess, on their way to England, have been tarry¬
ing at Miss Hayt's. He is a friend of Lockhart’s, and a
well educated, highly respectable and wealthy man going
home to receive a fortune, and make a tour with his family
upon the Continent. He is utterly different from the (soi
disant) English gentleman that so often appears in this
mercantile community.

Tuesday, May 27th. Yesterday and today have been
passed in the Supreme Court listening to the arguments
in the case of Norton vs Roy. After remaining in the
heated room five or six hours, I walked out into the Park
a short distance from the City Hall to breathe the fresh
air, when I was startled by the report of a heavily loaded
pistol at my side. At the same instant I saw the hat fly
from the head of a man a few paces from where I was
standing and his form at the same time sink into the grass.
As I proceeded to him 1 remarked to an elderly gentleman
“ There is a man who has shot himself,” but he only re¬
plied by an incredulous look. When I reached him I
found the skull torn away about one inch over the right
eye and small portions of blood and brain scattered over
his face, bosom and scarf. He was an extremely fine look¬
ing man about eight and twenty and very genteely clothed.
A partner of Benjamin F. Butler’s recognized him as a
lawyer by the name of Wilson. He was dead before I
reached him. “ lam te premet nox, fabulaeque manes ”.

Sunday, June 1st. The young lawyer referred to in
my last entry was a talented Scotchman who became dis¬
couraged by his ill success in the outset of professional
life. He left a wife and family to the charities of his
brethren at the Bar. During the past week I have reviewed
my studies. Yesterday I took a trip to Clifton with John
Ordinaux. Have commenced reading Keightley’s Greece.

170

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US 4 S']

WATERTOWN

Thursday, June 12th. Yesterday morning I left New
York at half past six A. M. and reached home at 5 P. M.
We came to New Haven on board of the Traveller, a new
boat and making her first trip. I whiled away a good
portion of time in reading a novel by the mulatto, Alex¬
andre Dumas. May he live to show the world that a man
may be a man though his skin is stained by African blood.
In the stage we had the charming little wife of a Naval
Officer, who honored me with the custody of a huge bou¬
quet that she was bringing from Newport. She was as
artless as a child, and in truth was almost a child in years;
yet she said that her husband had been for many months
on the Brazil station. I was much interested in observing
her emotion and delight at meeting her Father. My
Mother appears in very good health for her. My father
is at the Legislature.

Saturday, June 14th. Yesterday afternoon I went on
a very successful fishing excursion to the neighboring lake
with George Woodruff. This morning I read the Edin¬
burgh Review. Have just received a call from my old
chum, Frisbie. I expect my Father will return from Hart¬
ford this afternoon where he has been attending the Session
of the Legislature for the last six weeks.

Thursday, June 19th. My time passes very quietly and
very agreeably. Having recently read “ Keightly’s Greek
History,” I feel anxious to study that more thoroughly
from the fountain heads if possible. I have an old folio
copy of Thucydides that belonged to my Grandfather’s
Library, and “ Xenophontis Historia Graeca ” which I had
but did not read at College. I have formed the habit of
reading a chapter in the latter part of every morning and
then a little Italian. My life is now one of perfect ease
and leisure. Sometimes I exercise in the garden and oc¬
casionally on horseback but most of the time I pass in
reading.

If /, V. lo s) i f :»! til snifmnriD ori) bfri ow aril nl

e'lsd abn ;iO Vm oj ’>■ i.Hobd wbibvouriT lo yqco

{.18451

% Friday, July 4th. The rain which has continued for
the last three days has now ceased, and this morning of
our national anniversary which commences the seventieth
year of our National Independence, is one of the brightest
and fairest that an unclouded sky and a July sun can afford.
Save the flags on the hickory and ash-poles, and the roaring
of cannon far away among the distant hills, there is nothing
to indicate the nature of the day. The spirit of Sleepy
Hollow broods over everything. Since writing the above I
have been to Plymouth to visit Friend Butler. When four
miles from here while riding my horse at full speed, he
stumbled, throwing me full ten feet over his head; fortun¬
ately I escaped injury. I ran the gauntlet between two
cannon on some portion of the road. One discharge was
right behind me, some ten yards, and my horse plunged
so violently that I then nearly again lost my seat. Rev.
Mr. Richardson passed the evening with us.

Friday, July nth. Monday assisted Father in trying
the case of Attwood vs Estate of Mr. Hawkins. The same
day Mr. and Mrs. Morton and Mr. and Mrs. Filly came
to our house with Miss Wooster. The next day we all
went to Quasapog on a fishing excursion where we met
General Wooster and Lady and some others. The day was
passed most delightfully. We caught an abundance of fish
so that we were supplied with a good and substantial pic
nic dinner. At evening we all parted, well sunburned, and
well pleased with the day’s sport, each going a different
road, our kinsfolk leaving for Humphrysville intending to
go to New York the next day. Yesterday I was again at
the lake. This entry comprises the most pleasant week as
yet of my vacation. Perhaps, however, I merely think so
because I am in unusually good humor this morning.

Sunday, July 13th. On Tuesday, Deus Volens, I intend
starting on a trip for the North with Malcolm Butler. I
trust at that time the heat will be less.

172

[IS 451

(Journey to Whitehall and Lake George is omitted as it
is all guide book stuff . The only interest lies in its being
made with a horse . My father loved to employ the art of
description. I think he would have enjoyed a literary
career but probably his imagination was not sufficient.)

Tuesday, July 22. After a night of martyrdom from
numerous little foes, we commenced our journey at sun¬
rise. We passed over Fishkill Creek which arrested by its
swollen waters the retreat of Gen. Burgovne, and saw the
old Schuyler mansion and the heights where the final en¬
campment was made. We then followed the road which
he took in his march and subsequent retreat. We were
shown the battle ground on Bemus Heights and the ruins
of the house to which, when wounded, the gallant Fraser
was carried. Our good fortune caused us to meet an old
gentleman who politely explained the affair to us. This
gentleman was nine years old at the time and lives near the
battle ground. His father commanded a company of
Minute men, and he gave us some interesting details of the
state of things at that time. “ Whenever the Indians, or the
Tories who were much worse, made an incursion,” said
our informant, <( The alarm was given and I have seen this
road crowded with the Minute men hurrying up to Old
Phil Schuyler’s. I always rode up behind my father so
as to bring the horse back.”

Passing through Stillwater and Waterford we dined at
Troy. The two last are large and well built towns. In
the afternoon we rode through Greenbush to Castleton
where we passed the night. Greenbush is a miserable, dirty
hole. On our ride we saw many beautiful seats, particularly
the Van Renssalaer. Old Gov. Clinton's residence pre¬
sented a shabby appearance in the meadows bordering upon
the river.

Friday, Aug. 1. Yesterday Cousins James and Joseph
Noyes called, and I have spent the morning at the lake with
Joseph. They have now left.

173

1*845]

Sunday, Aug. 3. Last evening news came of the sud-
dent death of Judge Butler. Today I go with my Father
to attend the funeral. Tomorrow I leave for Hartford.

Monday, Aug. 4. Hartford. Left home at 7 A. M.;
rode with Father to Waterbury. Called on Mrs. Sarah
Morton and saw divers old acquaintances. Left at half
past eight in a crowded stage and reached Meriden at half
past eleven. At half past twelve P. M. started in the cars
for Hartford. Saw some old college friends on board of
them. Called after dinner on Mrs. Chapman and Mrs.
Powers. Attended prayers at the College Chapel. After
tea called at Mrs. Trumbull's and found the family all
absent. Passed the evening at Bishop Brownell’s.

Tuesday, August 5. This has been a very hot day. I
lay awake half the night from the fumes of green tea which
I drank by mistake. Called on Mr. Bradley and Mrs.
Powers before dinner, then on the Misses Sheldon, and at
Gov. Ellsworth's. After tea called on Mrs. Sigourney
whom I found confined by illness, and after that at Misses
Draper’s and Bishop Brownell's.

Wednesday, Aug. 6. In the morning attended a meet¬
ing of the Alumni. Afternoon listened to Oration of Rev.
Mr. Morgan and Poem of Rev. Mr. Everest. Took tea at
Gov. Ellsworth’s and accompanied the young ladies to the
Laying of the Corner Stone of the new college, and to
Junior Exhibition.

Thursday, Aug. 7. Attended meeting of the Athe¬
naeum and Alumni in the morning. After the Commence¬
ment exercises dined with the Alumni. In the afternoon
I was initiated into the O. B. K. In the evening partook
of a supper with many old college friends.

Friday, Aug. 8th. Left Plartford in company with
Cousin Charles Chapman. We walked from Plymouth
Hollow to Watertown, which we reached about 10 P. M.

Thursday, Aug. 21. Charles Chapman left this morn¬
ing. The past ten days have been consumed by us in fish¬
ing, shooting, riding, etc. My books and journal have been

174

■ ■ ' *•- • ‘

,|if ! m; ! ' ■ " ‘ '

U845 3

entirely laid aside. This day is a painful anniversary in
our family. It is nine years since my brother Henry died.

Tuesday, September 2. The time of my departure is
drawing near. The last few days I have been in no mood
for reading or studying. Fishing and running over the
chapters of some good and more silly novels have been
my most intellectual pursuits.

Saturday, September 6. My eyes weak. Father is
reading the Political History of New York to me, and when
amusement fails from this source, I wander about the woods
with a fowling-piece, but am rarely guilty of any slaughter.

New York

Monday, Sept. 15. I have been at the office this morn¬
ing for the first time. The noise is perfectly stunning.
I find myself sighing for the tranquility of the country.

Thursday, Sept. 18. Have been reading Longfellow’s
“ Voices of the Night.” His poems are very excellent. The
thoughts and the rhythm are striking and beautiful.

October 2, Thursday. I have just returned from Uncle
Robert’s where I went yesterday. I passed the morning
in shooting on the Uplands with John Jay Livingston,
whose niece my Uncle espoused.

New Y ork

Sunday, Oct. 19, 1845. I have again changed my resi¬
dence. Yesterday I commenced boarding with the Rev.
C. H. Williamson, Pastor of a French Church. I trust
that by spring I shall be able to converse in the language
and to write it correctly.

Saturday, Nov. 15. M. Boquet was at tea this evening.
He is in the City studying English and delivering lectures
in French to his countrymen. His lectures are upon France
and its religious condition. As a Catholic clergyman he
received the dying breath of the late Due D’Orleans and
he is now an avowed advocate of the Protestant faith. I
passed most of the evening at Misses Roberts. The con-

tnoH3fliviJ ;kI nriot r&r* neiqU orfi no gnhood* ni

[1845 and 1846]

versation commenced in French but flagged so soon on my
part that we betook ourselves to English.

Sunday, November 23. Rain this morning but now,
6 P. M., clear and cold. This morning I attended Mr.
Verren’s Church. Yesterday I visited with John Ordri-
naux Trinity Cemetery, the Croton Bridge, and Harlem.
Wm. P. Lee, one of the most agreeable students with Mr.
Noyes, has left for another office. During the past week
I have made some progress in French by the aid of Signor
Secchi, a young Italian, who boards with us and speaks
French well, and with whom I walk every morning upon
the Battery.

Dec. 13, Saturday Eve. Thursday night went with
Powers to hear Mr. Kean and Lady in Ion. Her personi¬
fication of the latter character was perfection itself. Yes¬
terday I received a letter from my old chum, Frisbie, and
another from James Phelps.

Christmas Day, 1845. I have been perusing my Christ¬
mas commentaries for the past five years and my skeleton
of a journal is a source of considerable pleasure to me.
My whole time is at the present devoted to the acquisition
of French and Law. Yesterday I finished Graham's Prac¬
tice. I shall pass the day chez moi. I should like much
to spend the day with my friends in Connecticut, but that
I fear will be a pleasure long denied me. This Festival
of the Church reminds me of the many favors and blessings
for which I have to thank God.

New Year’s Eve. 1846. I find myself weary and worn
after having made thirty four calls during the day in New
York and Brooklyn, and in no condition of body or mind
to review the past, or resolve for the future, so thanking
God for his past kindnesses and mercies and praying that
they may be continued to me in future I seek my pillow.

Wednesday, January 7. Yesterday I obtained an order
from Judge Ulshoeffer for examination as attorney of the
Court of Common Pleas; he appointed examiners and I

176

- . . , ,

▼ /

[I 846]

passed my examination in the afternoon, which was merely
formal, and this morning I appeared in Court, took the
Oath, and signed the Roll, and henceforth I may con¬
sider myself an Attorney.

Sunday, January n. Last evening I heard Kean in
Richard 3rd, and his wife as Queen of Edward Fourth.
It was the first time I had ever heard it played; in some
parts he did not equal my anticipations, but on the whole
I derived a great deal of pleasure from it. Mrs. Kean
played her part admirably. The scene where she takes
leave of her children in the Tower was truly affecting.
I thought of the wonderful genius. How truly “ he was
not for a day but for all time.” There are Homer, and
Shakespeare, who stand on the dizzy height with the mists
of ages rolling all around them; they have touched chords
that will vibrate sweet music as long as man exists; -there
let them stand forever to receive the homage of all time.

Sunday, March 29. The weeks fly fast. The Battery
is green, and the sun shines warm and pleasant. I have
commenced reading 11 Conklin’s Treatise upon the Practice
of the United States Courts.”

- Sunday, April 5. The past week has been clear and
sunny. Yesterday the Rev. Dr. Totten called at the office
and informed me that I was appointed to the Masters’
Oration at the approaching Commencement. The idea of
going back after a three years’ absence, and making a col¬
lege speech, seems quite a retrograde movement.

Friday Evening April 17. Last week on Friday I quit
for Connecticut. It was very cold and rained and snowed
most of the time. Tuesday I went with my Father to
Litchfield, and that afternoon I was admitted by a Resolu¬
tion of the Bar Attorney and Counsellor for all the Courts
of Connecticut. In the morning I received my Certificate
and took the Oath in open Court. Yesterday I returned to
New York, and today I have been engaged in making some
arrangements for my future course. I have taken an office

1 77

■

0 >

[iS46]

adjoining that of Mr. Merrill for $62.50 per annum of
George Griswold.

Sunday, April 26. I have been studying “ Burrill’s
Practice ” very attentively during the past week. Have
read a little French, and passed most of the evenings in
Society.

Sunday, May 10. It has rained every moment this
week and is still pouring. I have studied some and
worked a good deal for little pay. This Examination
for which I am unprepared hangs over me like a cloud.
My next entry will announce the result.

Saturday, May 16. On Thursday afternoon we were
examined and I passed through without the slightest diffi¬
culty. Mr. Charles O'Connor and Mr. H. Spencer ex¬
amined me, the first on Bills of Exceptions and writs of
Error, the latter upon Replevin. Nine out of the class
of ninety were rejected, amongst them a colored man, now
rejected for the fourth time on the ground of deficiency
in qualifications. Yesterday I subscribed the roll and took
the Oath in open Court. Three years from this time I
shall be admitted Counsellor; during those three years
what will come of me and my little journal?

Sunday, May 24. Thursday I attended the consecra¬
tion of Trinity Church. The music was good and the
spectacle magnificent. Two hundred and fifty clergymen
in their robes with the Bishop, knelt around the altar at
the same time. No scene was ever more impressive. I
have perfected my first judgment during the past wek.

Friday, June 5. I am now writing in my own office un¬
der. my own fig tree, and a lawyer, un avocat. Wednesday I
was admitted a Solicitor and Counsellor of the Court of
Chancery, and the same day a Counsellor of the Court of
Common Pleas. My Father has been here for the past
few days. Monday we drove to Uncle Robert’s. Yester¬
day while decomposing from the excessive heat, we had
our daguerreotypes taken. My Father had designed go-

178

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•1 jS.fO]

ing to Washington but the heat was so great that this
morning he hastened home.

Friday, June 26. Nothing to do ; business dull ; if things
are not better I shall emigrate to Texas.

Saturday, July 4. It has rained all night and still rains ;
the Battery is filled with troops. All looks dull and dreary.
I must endeavor to make some progress today with my
Master’s Oration.

Monday, August 3. Saturday my old school and col¬
lege friend, Tracy, called to see me; he is a lawyer in Chi¬
cago. I dined with him at the Astor. In the evening we
went to Niblo’s; afterwards we adjourned to Hotel Del-
monico. Next Friday I deliver my Master’s Oration.

Friday, August 21. Yesterday I returned from Con¬
necticut. Left home at 7 A. M. and reached New York
at 6 P. M. Cousin Charles Chapman, who has been at
our house since Commencement came down in the boat
with me. My Oration went off better than I anticipated,
for I was aware that it was rather a crude affair.

I passed one week very agreeably at Hartford and the
other at home, riding, fishing, etc. It is just ten years
today since my brother Henry died; how bright and how
beautiful were those days of our childhood when we
journeyed on together.

Wednesday, Sept. 16. The weather changed suddenly
yesterday and it is now quite cool and pleasant, for the
first time this month. I have commenced reading Spanish
and English with a Spanish gentleman for the purpose
•of mutual improvement in each other’s language. I think
I will study the grammar and learn to speak it for it is
spoken a good deal at my boarding house. My business is
so slight that I have considerable vacant time. I am read¬
ing Ci ccro de Oratore and Greenlief on Evidence.

Wednesday, Sept. 23. Monday afternoon I accom¬
panied my friend Smith or Smidt, as his Dutch ancestors
wrote it, to Nyack. This was my first trip up the Hudson,

179

■

[/<M]

and as it was delightful September afternoon, and my
friend perfectly familiar with all the Lions upon the route,
I enjoyed it very much. As we approached Tarrytown
he pointed out to me the beautiful country seat of Paulding
and the roof of Irving’s Gothic cottage just peeping up
from the dense foliage of the surrounding trees. Sleepy
Hollow was pointed out as just above the village, but it
was fast becoming too obscure to discover even the shadows
of the valleys, and a few moments found us en route for
the residence of my friend. Opening a gate we followed
a carriage-way that soon showed us the top of his house
emerging from the trees and shrubbery, and the hearty
barking of a large Newfoundland dog announced our ar¬
rival. The next morning I visited the old Dutch stone
tavern in Tappan where Major Andre was confined, and
saw the room, or rather the traces of it, for it is now
enlarged into a dancing room. Near by is the Church
which stands upon the site of the one in which Andre was
tried, and a short distance back from the river rises a hill,
crowned with a peach orchard, upon the summit of which
Andre was executed. The old stone tavern has been there,
and used as such beyond the memory of man. Old Mr.
Bogart, now 95 years of age, says that it was an old build¬
ing when he was a boy. Two hundred yards from there is
an old brick farmhouse with the figures 1700 in front,
formed by the insertion of bricks of a different color from
the rest. This building was occupied by Gen. Washing¬
ton as his headquarters. The mistress of the house very
politely received us, and showed us the room occupied by
Gen. Washington, with its glass cupboard in the corner
which she says has remained unchanged during this long
interval. There is something still beautiful in the heavy
oak timbers of its ceiling and the numerous tiles which
decorate the fireplace. After taking a fine drive through
the country I left at One P. M., and found myself after a
delightful trip down the river, at three o’clock in New
York.

180

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EWobtrie >di ibva isvooeib o) w«r;>ad« ool S' .n.o. ■ •'•••.-•••

Snor aidl 8nh.;b b3Snnrl',nU fc>n.wn« a*d .

[1846 and /<?.//]

Wednesday, Nov. n. It has rained continually for the
last two weeks. Yesterday I tried my first case in Common
Pleas; got beat, as I expected to. I do nothing but sit in
my office; for the last few days I have neglected my Spanish
very much.

Monday evening, Dec. 7. A terrible day, storm, snow,
and sleet. Poor Mrs. Morton died yesterday at a quarter
past five a. m. and was buried this afternoon at half past
two in Greenwood Cemetery. She was generous, and
warm-hearted by nature, and in religion a most sincere and
devout Christian.

Sunday, Dec. 13. Mr. Peter Morton died today at two
o’clock. I went there to dine, as he had expressed a wish
that I should renew my old custom which had been broken
off for some time in consequence of Mrs. Morton’s illness.
I found the family very much engrossed with his rapid
declension, and I dined at Mr. Filley’s. We had scarcely
finished dinner when the news came that Mr. Morton was
worse. We hurried to the house but found him dead. Fie
died without a struggle, and has never suffered any severe
pain.

Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 26, 1846.

I dined yesterday at Mr. Taylor's where I met old Mr.
Goodwin, a former friend of Grandfather Edmond. I
passed the day very pleasantly.

New Year’s 1847. I have passed this festival as usual
making more than thirty calls some of them very agree¬
able. In the evening I was at a small party at Mr. Foote’s
where I met Prof. Davies who politely invited me to his
house. Too fatigued to sleep, I retired at 12.

Monday, March 1. The first day of spring comes with
a high, disagreeable wind. Plave this day been admitted
Attorney and Counsellor in the Kings Co. Common Pleas.

Wednesday, March 24. My first cause was called for
trial today and passed by the Judge at a long cause. In a
few days I quit my quarters at Brooklyn. My Aunt leaves

181

dsiruqS bwl&n tw.rl I «X«b «■ )»:

[18471

for Connecticut, and I have availed myself of a newspaper
advertisement to avoid running around for a lodging room.
My health and business continue as usual. My charges
amount to something, but I am so unhappy as not to col¬
lect much.

Saturday, April io. Time dies with tremendous rapid¬
ity, weeks fly like days. Glorious news comes to us from
the seat of war. Last week we heard of the victory of
Buena Vista. Today every flag in the city is flying in
honor of the capture of Vera Cruz and the Castle of San
Juan D'Ullua.

Friday, April 16. This evening I am going to the
New Opera. A large Italian troupe has arrived from
Havana and seem to make a good sensation.

Wednesday, April 21. Last evening I was at the
theatre. Mrs. Mason played Marianna in The Wife. Was
not as much pleased with her acting as I had anticipated.

May 1. It is just one year ago today since I commenced
the practice of law & nailed up my shingle. I have suc¬
ceeded better than I anticipated, and hope that I shall be
able to make enough from my business to defray all of my
expenses for the next year. The following is my pecuniary
statement for the past year.

Personal Expenses . $700.78

Total of charges fees etc. for past year . $1288.55

Of this amount collected . 506.00

Of this last amount doubtful

782.55

162.00

620.55

Of this remainder perfectly bad & hopeless . 79.00

Good and now due

^S4r*55

. . luii luo! 'fiuorcifi iski lO

11847]

Estimates for Ensuing Year.

Rent of Office etc. Books, Law Institute Share. . . .$200.00

Board and washing average $6.00 per week . 312.00

Clothes . et ceteras . 200.00

Contingencies . 100.00

$812.00

To meet this outlay I have due for old business. . . 541.55
I shall derive from business now in hand . 300.00

$841.55

May 10, 1847, Monday. I have attended today at the
Kings Co. Circuit. It is excessively hot. Saturday, I re¬
moved my lodgings to M. Pelerin Hotel.

Sunday, May 30. The evening of the 26th, I accom¬
panied my friend and fellow-student or rather my student
to Cold Spring in Suffolk Counry. That evening I at¬
tended a large party at Mr. Jones. I was presented to
various handsome ladies and stout men. Among others I
scraped the acquaintance of Mr. Churchill C. Cambrel-
ing, who is quite distinguished as a politician. The evening
passed off delightfully. Beauty, music, dancing, and cham¬
pagne, conspired to gratify the tastes of all. The next
day we fished, walked about the neighboring country, and
before six o’clock the morning after, were en route by
steamboat for New York. The loveliness of the morning,
the enchanting freshness and beauty of the adjacent shores

and the conversation of the charming Miss D - ,

gave a zest to steamboat travelling on Long Island Sound
that was altogether new to me.

Wednesday, July 7. I have just returned from Water-
town whither I went on the 2nd inst. I have visited mv
friends there, caught a few perch, and for a brief interval
escaped the heat and bustle of this great Baliel.

Wednesday, September 29. 1847. I am twenty-four

years of age today. On the 24th, 1 went to Hartford and
now en route for New York with my head full of Miss -

•83

”1311 t moil bsmui'ji teuj 5 1 *\' :i,i #vx;

: ' {i ' 1 ' 3 •’

■

[i $47]

Thursday, October 28. Last evening I called on Miss

. at the Astor House. Today I have engaged to

go with her to the monument room of Trinity. I am
gradually improving in health. The weather is excessively
cold. Day before yesterday I was at Uncle Robert's. I
found him extremely weak and pale. Poor man, he has
suffered severely and it pained me to see him with his

wooden leg. I find the presence in town of Miss .

quite unfits me for business. Elle est jolie amiable, et je
l’aime comme je n’ai jamais aime une femme.

Thursday, November 11. My business is the great
monopolizer of all my time and thoughts. Not all of my
thoughts, for the accomplished, pretty, amiable and in all
respects most lovely Miss . runs in my head con¬

tinually. Last night I dreamed of her four times, so that
I find she is the subject of my sleeping as well as of my
waking thoughts. Never woman has so touched this cold
heart of mine. Oh Dieu aye pitie de moi et donne que
nous vivions ensemble.

Thursday, December 23. I returned last night from
Hartford, from what I fear to be most certain indications,
toutes mes esperances, si cheries sont evanouies a jamais. I
have seen many of my friends, and had it not been for a
cruel disappointment, I should have passed my time very
agreeably. On the evening of the 9th of this month, I was
initiated a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. To divert my mind from dwelling on a most
painful subject, I shall work, toil, and strive in the arena
of my profession as I have never heretofore done. The
future, boundless, glorious, is before me, and struggling
with every energy of soul and body, I carve my destiny.

Christmas Day, 1847. I am engaged to dine at Mr.
Taylor’s where I dined last Christmas. I have been look¬
ing over my journal, and find that I am now pursuing an
enterprise that I commenced in boyhood.

184

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U847]

(Letter from Mrs. Holbrook Curtis to her son.)

Watertown, December 28th 1847

Dear William,

As this is the only letter I have received from you
during a number of years,* I lay aside all engagements to
answer it. You remark Christmas was a dull day with
you, It snowed here, but did not prevent your Father's re¬
turn at Evening from Litchfield. He left on Monday in
a Waggon, intending to be here at New Year. These
seasons my dear Son, bring to mind many of the scenes
through which I have passed. Nearly 25 years were spent
under my Father's roof, free from care and sorrow, my
greatest unhappiness was a frail constitution, more so than
any member of the family. Owing to this circumstance,
I had resolved on a single life, but your Father told me he
had a Competence for the present. I believed I should
be treated with respect and kindness. Without flattery,
I can say to you he was a man of fair reputation, and I
was induced to come here. My Parents were becoming
aged, I had Brothers and Sister unprovided for, and I con¬
sidered it my pleasure and duty. I would advise young
persons to be married and settled as early in life as con¬
venient. Professional men are often obliged to wait until
30 or thereabouts. All things considered I should prefer
25. At that period our habits are formed, our former asso¬
ciates leave the list and we look about for sympathy in vain,
unless we have secured a partner in our joys and sorrows.
I would never invite a lady to leave her Father’s house un¬
less I knew my own habits. She should have my Heart and
its best affections. It should be my constant endeavor to
have her life pass pleasantly. There is enough of sorrow
mingled in the cup without a Husband’s adding thereto.
He should be her Guide and counsellor on all occasions.
Do not expect perfection here below. A sensible Woman,

*He always wrote “ My dear parents ” —

,85

■

1 \i847]

and I am sure you would select no other, would be happy
in knowing you were so, in making your Home an Earthly
Paradise, when perhaps the writer of these few lines, ad¬
dressed by affection, should be added to the list of those
already gone. In a few months I shall have completed
half a Century. My Sun is going down, while yours is
rising. To you we now look for Sympathy, and protection.
According to the common course of events, we may not be
spared together many days or years. It therefore behooves
us to enjoy the present rationally, and of course agreeably.
Henry would have been 23, Elizabeth 14. I have ever felt
deeply their loss, and shall continue to, as old age advances.

Your Father has enjoyed fine health many years, but
is now beginning to grow old. On his account particularly,
I desire you to endeavor to add to his Happiness, as it will
contribute to yours also. My Health, although better,
keeps me within doors during Winter, and in your Father’s
absence, were it not for my Housekeeping, I should be
lonely, although we have frequent calls.

While my Parents lived, a visit to them afforded more
pleasure than anything else. Since their death, I have
visited Newtown but once, as 1 did not wish to be under
obligation to Dr. Booth. Where a person can occasionally
mix with refined society it is desirable, as a means of im¬
provement. Where mind meets mind, our Ideas, if we have
any are drawn out, and not smothered for want of room.
If you had always lived here you would find this a great
drawback. When you are disposed you can read or con¬
verse with intelligent persons. I hope you will have enough
of wealth to afford you leisure sufficient. As we have re¬
sided here so long, we are unfit to live anywhere else, the
rust of 20 years can never be rubbed off. Our friends if
we have any will take us just as we are, not what we should
like to be. We have cause for Gratitude to our Heavenly
Father for your restoration to Plealth, for the many
privileges we enjoy, both temporal and spiritual. By

[ 1847 and 1848]

living in New York we are deprived of your society,
blit what is our loss, will be your gain. I have written thus
far with but three interruptions, so you must excuse all
errors. Mr. Mallory has just called to invite me there with
Dr. Holcomb this Evening. You will say “ how glad I am
for Mother began to write and forgot to leave off. I shall
not send her another letter till the New Year arrives and
let her write all through, until it returns.” Your Father said
he would write you from Litchfield. After wishing you
years of Happiness, and every earthly good, I remain your
Affectionate Mother,

Elizabeth Curtis.

Watertown, Decern. 28th, 1847.

Journal W. E. C.

Tuesday, February 22. Washington’s Birthday. I am
quite busy and in good health. It is a wild and stormy day,
but the winter has thus far been the mildest I have ever
known. I was at Uncle Robert's on Saturday. I did not
see him but found that he has so far regained his strength
and health as to be able to visit his patients. This in¬
formation gave me the greatest pleasure, as when I saw
him last, I feared for his ultimate recovery. A mass meet¬
ing is called today to nominate Gen. Taylor for the Presi¬
dency. Monday I went home and yesterday morning I
left there for this city, whither I arrived last evening
much refreshed in body and mind by my brief but pleasant
journey.

Monday, March 6th, 1848. I have today received a
letter from my Father informing me of the death of Mal¬
colm N. Butler. This intelligence fills me with affliction.
He has been for many years one of my dearest and most
cherished friends. At school, at College, as students, at
the bar, I have long known and loved him. He was my
companion at home, and in most of my sporting excursions.

Friday, April 28th. Tomorrow I intend to move to
Number 54 Wall Street. This is the last quiet evening that

187

.nir .oc ( Hi ys. ,eeoI iuo ii jnri 7 Jud

r bfvmsa /* ' c*J svnr t ;rftd rrd/: f>;fibaoM

I am to pass in this little room where I commenced my
professional career. May I in future succeed, ever being
grateful to the kind friends who have kindly assisted me
thus far with advice, funds, and business.

(Letter from Holbrook Curtis to his son William)

Watertown 26th May 1848

William E. Curtis Esq.

Wall Street No. 54
New York
Dear William

The wit of an Englishman, they say, always comes when
the occasion for it is past, it is but too apt to be so with
me. When I was in New Haven Mr. Seymour told me
his wife was going to New York, I told him you were
going down, he said if you would take charge of Mrs.
Seymour he thought he should not go. I entirely forgot
to mention it to you, which I much regretted, Mrs. Sey¬
mour has had the misfortune to lose her voice, can speak
only in a whisper, but is a fine good woman & house
keeper & has been very polite to me when at Litchfield,
as I have taken Tea there in two or three instances, and
I never had any opportunity of making my acknowledge¬
ments but by removing her husband from being Clerk of
the Court. The Superior Court was in session when I was
at New York & I corresponded with Mr S who took care
of what little business I had & Mrs Seymour took quite
an interest in your sickness. If you made her acquaintance
in going down so far as to justify it, I wish you would just
call on her, and show some little civility to her, she is
probably with her brother Woodruff. If you have not
made her acquaintance, little matter.

Our Legislature is in a row about our Senators, after
the passage of the resolution appointing Baldwin & Smith
by the House of Representatives, when we were then on
the motion of a Member on Monday — a motion was made

188

. :vA IB

ti iri2 .-nr! u? tfiltvb stall *nc* wod* bnr. ,wi! no lino

OM]

to ask a return of the resolutions to the House of Repre¬
sentatives, proposed by Senate which was carried, 6c they
were returned where they now are 6c the business I under¬
stood was accompanied with much confusion 6c disorder,
and has elicited much feeling. Our relative and friend
Chapman is in the whirlwind, voting for the most part
with the Loco Focos, and has call’d forth so much indig¬
nation from the Whigs, that unless his feelings are some¬
what tough they will probably be wounded from the many
arrows to which they are exposed.

I came home the same afternoon you left from New
Haven, your Mother has been somewhat complaining
from over work in cleaning the house for summer, but is
again mending. I am short of money at this time or I
would come to New York & buy some few things we need
for family use. I suppose you have taken quarters at Staten
Island, the weather has not been hot here since Sunday,
but has been very wet. I think perhaps during the hot
weather you had best not confine yourself too much to your
office. Will you not be expos’d to disease in your passages
to 6c from Staten Island from the quarantine ground?
I am confident that with prudence you have constitution
enough to avoid other disease than Epidemic during the
summer. Mr. Morrell told me he had never been sick
in New York, though he had a frail constitution, if you
have complaint or constant headache I think you had best
take a trip up here or into the Country somewhere unless
your passages between N. Y. 6c Staten Isld should dis¬
pell it . As it regards the $100 towards purchas¬
ing the lot of Books you mention. My ability to do it with
convenience without impairing my Principal, must depend
upon contingencies.

I do not think our Connecticut Whiggery very stable
in any respect. The accessions we have from Loco Focoism
from time to time rather weaken than increase our strength.
I think men constituted like our friend Chapman do best

189

[■/***]

in the ranks of the Loco Focos, he is rather a handsome
speaker, but that is of little use without discretion 6c judg¬
ment, with the Locos extravagance & innovations were not
out of place.

I suppose the French boarders at Pelerines consider
their country regenerated, and all our Citizens seem to re¬
joice in their support. I remember something 6c have
heard more of the old Grand Revolution. Although France
is much improved since that time, has a much greater
number of Freeholders, and the impression of the past.
I fear that from their universal suffrage, Communism,
Socialism 6c Grulvism, the old Sans Culotts will have too
much influence to permit the Tree of Liberty to bear much
Fruit.

It yet remains a problem whether any people are
capable of self government. Our own Republic is yet
young, but the cause of Liberty has received many shocks
during its existence and although I sympathize strongly
with all persons who wish to be free, I have less confidence
than many that the cause of Liberty will be much pro¬
moted in Europe, by the present excitement on the subject.
That it may never cease to exist here, which our Country
6c People wish, is my first wish 6c prayer, but since the
first framing of our Constitution we have been becoming
more Jacobinical, If I may be allowed the expression.
Universal suffrage, electing Judges by the people, for a
limited time, no qualifications required for the practice of
law or medicine. Foreigners admitted to the Election
before they have had time to become acquainted with our
Constitution. — All these things would have frightened the
Framers of our Constitution who meant to establish a rep¬
resentative Republic 6c not a pure Democracy, they in¬
tended that we should have something to gain or lose by
the stability or instability of our Government 6c that the
Judiciary should be independent of the consensus of Popu¬
lar Opinion. I hope public improvement has been such

ims]

that we may safely endure the alterations and changes to
which we have been subjected. I think there is a Con¬
servative power in New England on which we may rely
for many years. But I somewhat doubt whether the sta¬
bility of many parts of our Country is to be relied on. It
is however best to look on the bright side of things, I hope
for the best. Recollecting our duties to God & our Country
& ourselves, to the last of which we are impelled by the
first law of nature, that of self preservation, all emotions
on that line so far as I am concern’d must soon be over,
61 years almost I have seen, yet I have enjoyed as much
health and as much otherwise as most persons. I ought
to be content to look to the balance of life as a state of in¬
dolence when not much enjoyment can be had, if with my
present experience I could pass it again it seems as though
I could mend it much, but that would not be desireable.
That you live longer, enjoy more, profit more by early ex¬
perience in which you have had better opportunity than
myself, perform the duties of life better, is among my first
desires and aspirations and it is a consolation when leaving
the stage that we reflect that we leave behind us some sub¬
stitute that can perform his part better than we have done.

Affectionately

H. Curtis

Post script by Mrs. Holbrook Curtis.

If there is as near a fit to your person in the articles
you mention, as I discovered by the representation of your
letter, to the original, you ought not to complain. I per¬
ceive you have genius for drawing — although your talents
have slept “ uncultivated, unhonoured and unsung.’’ Won¬
der whether they are hereditary. O Gotham! We were
astonished, this is truly an age of invention. If you had
spent Sabbath at Home instead of returning, I think you
might have enjoyed yourself. We are moving on much as
usual — I wrote you a long letter 4 months since, which
you never answered and now tell me you cannot answer

US48]

my lengthy and frequent epistles — probably being so much
occupied you had forgotten it. E. C.

Saturday, May 29. On the 1 8th. I went to New Haven,
met my father there at 4 p. m. I went to Hartford, took
tea with my kinsfolks and the same evening I returned to
New Haven. Yesterday morning I visited the mineral-
ogical Cabinet with Mr. Thos. R. Dutton, and passed the
remainder of the morning at the State House where I
witnessed the election of Messrs. Baldwin and Smith
to the position of United States Senators. In the after¬
noon I returned to New York.

:cerpts) letter from Judge Holbrook Curtis

Watertown June 2d /48
We had thought of coming to' New York. I
supposd possible I could loan the money on rnortg6 security
then at 7 per centm. And I wishd to invest somewhat for the
family. But your mother thinks we cant afford it 6c she
is not prepard, and not well enough 6cc, &c, and I think
perhaps we might use so much of our money as to be ob!igd
to depend on the Int. without any principal. I had intended
to go abroad this summer, but conclude my doom is to
tarry at Watertown what time I have to stay and that I may
as well make up my mind to it, but if you go to Canada let
me know when you will go, and I will be governd by cir¬
cumstances. It must be healthy and comfortable in New
York. Yesterday the thermometer stood at 450 and it is
an ill wind which blows good to no one

Watertown Wednesday

Dear William, June 14th / \8

Your last letter was so much saturated with inflamed
eyes, & Small Pox, that we felt considerable anxiety about
you, which has been much increas’d from the fact that we

192

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[/S./S]

have not heard from you for almost a fortnight. If you
are sick, so much so, as to be unable to write, and yet you
understand a letter from reading or having it read, we
would be happy to hear from you by some other hand so
as to know whether you are in want, in peril, or need our
cares. I have been wishing to go to New York, but have
been dissuaded by your Mother, who thinks you may be
absent, but I see not why on that account I should be less
liable to hear from you.

The Weather has been for a week past, cold to a degree
almost unprecedented with us, for the longest days in the
Year, thermometer ranging from 450 to 50. It is now 11
oclock 52, the wind has been so high as to prevent much
Frost, Yet nothing grows in a garden but Bugs, Weeds
and Cutworms, Yet the weather is very favorable to things
out of door, not dependent directly on the Earth for sus¬
tenance, as Cattle and horses, which appear to be in prime
condition. Our Legislature continues in session, and will
I am told for some two weeks to come, The Pvail Roads I
am told will occupy a great portion of their time. The
Nomination of General Taylor for Pres1 by the Whigs,
will I think breed some dissention in their Ranks, per¬
haps however they will gain as much as they will lose,
for my own part I know Not much of General Taylor,
but the objections made to him that he has never shewn
his hand, or given a statement of his Creed with regard
to the great principles maintain'd by the Whigs (recom¬
mends him to my favour). Our Demagogues explain too
much, & those whose principles hang most loosely about
them are ready to adopt any principle which they think
will best sustain them with the people, whether they be¬
lieve it or not, & thus attempt to raise themselves on other
Men’s shoulders. Gen1 Taylor says “ Gentlemen here I
am, Vote for me or Not as you choose, My Life is before
you, let it speak for itself.” Yet I think there is some doubt
whether the gain will be sufficient to make up for his loss.

193

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■

[/&/<?]

Your Mother is very well indeed, as I am likewise
and the health of the place with the exception of the
measles is very fair. You can have your $100 now if you
want it or wait until I get it from other sources in July.

I shall not come to N Yk until I hear from you. I think
if the weather is hot or oppressive, You had best come home
& stay awhile, here is gardening, fishing, riding, shooting,
and good air, and those are of more value than all New
York taken together. If health is den'd you where you
are, and there is any chance to retain it here, leave all &
come home at once, for life is worth but little without
health.

Affectionately & C

Holbrook Curtis

Wednesday, June 14, 1848. On Monday last, I heard
Senator Benton in company with several other distinguished
Senators and gentlemen speak in the Park before an im¬
mense assemblage of several thousands. Their political
adherents constituted but a small part of the assemblage,
curiosity attracting the greater portion. The personal ap¬
pearance of Benton is striking. His finely formed head,
Norman nose, and frizzed iron grey locks straggling over
his high forehead, with a bright, clear expressive eye would
have impressed a perfect stranger with feelings of interest
and respect. There was a trace of sagacity and the wily
politician at times developed in the lines and expression of
his face while speaking. He is 66 years of age and is fast
verging to the descending stairs of life. His style in speak¬
ing is not very good, or rather his voice and manner, yet
on the whole there was a clearness and force that pleased
me. His metaphors were bold and powerful, but never
simply beautiful.

Senator Allen of Ohio who succeeded him has the quali¬
ties of a popular orator finely developed, with a stentorian
voice, a piercing eye, expressive countenance, and a warm
imagination, united to a great deal of action. His man-

194

' UM]

ner, style, and delivery, riveted the attention of many
thousands.

Senator Houston told anecdotes, and spoke with the
ease, adroitness of a stump orator and political veteran. His
person is commanding and noble, but in conversation he
was excessively profane. The other Senators exhibited
little that was profound or remarkable. Never have the
political lists opened for a presidential tilt with forces
so shattered and disorganized as at present. As for myself,
I am at heart a Barnburner, and believe and follow after
the teachings of John Van Buren.

Wednesday, August 2. I went to Hartford to Com¬
mencement. Stayed at Mrs. Cs house. I heard an oration
by Mr. Barnard of Albany before the Convocation, and a
poem by Dr. Croswell of Boston, was pleased with neither.
Passed a part of the evening at Mr. Joseph Trumbull's.

Thursday, August 3. Attended meeting of convocation,
also a part of Commencement exercises, and dined at Mr.
Trumbull’s. Rode out in the afternoon. Attended a sup¬
per of the I. K. A., met some old friends, rather too con-
vival for nowadays.

Note — Here are some excerpts from his father’s let¬
ters at this time —

Watertown Sept" 11th 1848 Monday
my fault in early life was to charge nothing, to
decline business from want of assurance if it seemd com¬
plex, not having sufficient reliance on myself, if I were
to commence again I would, before engaging in business,
ascertain from whom my pay was to come, tell my Client
as well as I could what I thought of his case, if there was
a chance, & then go ahead, regardless of difficulties, taking
such Fees as the law & the Rules of the Bar authorizd. the
pleasantest business a lawyer ever does is to argue cases
when accustomd to it. I know the commencement is diffi¬
cult to obtain particularly in New York but it is when

T9S

[IS 48}

once commencd, easy to go ahead, and the facility is con¬
stantly increasing, if therefore any young man just be¬
ginning should have a case he is willing you should argue,
do it for nothing if you can make no better terms, it will
tell in future, but do not overwork yourself, remembering
that action & reaction are mutual. On the whole you have
gone along better than I anticipated. I have seen some
young men who have left N York for want of business . .

(Excerpts )

Watertown Sept 17th 1848
I am Judge of the C C1 for Litchfield County, as well
as the C1 of Probate for the District of Watertown and
Town Clerk. The latter office I shall decline and I pre¬
sume the two former I shall be relieved of by the Legis¬
lature next spring. The Free Soil ticket in Conn1, will be
sustained principally at the expense of the Whigs. It will
include all the Abolitionists, the discontented who wish
to ride into distinction by mounting some hobby, who are
generally among the Whigs. It is possible though not
probable they may draw off enough to give the state to
Cass. The truth is that, what renders General Taylor ex¬
ceptionable to the scum which rises on the top when the
Political Pot boils, to those who love to fish in troubled
waters, and live on Spoils, is his declaration that he wishes
to be the President of the Country, & not of a Party, — to
the Politicians whose worth must be tried in the Crucible
of merit. From all I have heard of General Taylor, I
think him an honorable, frank, high-minded soldier, above
the small things which unfortunately are calculated to
make a candidate for Pres1, go down with the Mob and
the Office Seekers, but very unacquainted with the duties
of the Office of Pres1, he writes well, must have read much,
but ought not to have been a Candidate. Mr. Van Buren,
an experienced Politician, is the man who under all circum¬
stances keeps cool. His presence of mind is like that of Fredk
2d, but I have thought he had much of Sir Robert Walpole

196

baWuoi) ni rU9 oi avol oriw ?«ril o) ,tlio< Jo'i isoijiio'-I

[i8.m

about him, and I confess his present position has lead me to
ascribe to him qualities which I did not before suppose him
possessed of, for I had thought that he neither loved or
hated, but like a Jesuit looked only to the end without re¬
garding the means, believing every man had his price and
that all were dishonest; but has he not something of what
Tacitus applyd to Tiberius and which Junius quotes as ap¬
plicable to Sir Wm Draper? (Latin quotation) and does
he now wish to return the stab he recd when Polk
was nominated Pres1, perhaps he wishes to do his
Country Service and I have altogether mistaken his
character, one thing is true of him, (Van Buren) that to do
what he has done he must possess great Mental power, for
without advantages of family or education, for many
years he was the most influential man in N Yk; his political
enemies whom he always in person treated civilly but struck
fatally when he could, were powerful and he often foil'1
them all. On the whole, he is an uncommon man, and when
he saw himself superceded by such a nobody as Polk, it
would be a curiosity to know what those latent feelings
of his were, which no man was ever acquainted with. Gen1
Cass I had form'1 rather a good opinion of until since he
came from France and has been in the Senate, he seems
to be for War and Conquest of all North America, Texas,
Oregon to 54.40 & Mexico the British dominions. I
think he will be a dangerous Pres1 if elected (I fear he
may be), to be consistent he must carry out his views ex-
pressd so often the last few years. I am told too he is a
selfish rascal, having by his position and management pos¬
sess11 himself of much of our new lands of the greatest value,
his acquaintance with civil matters and life is much greater
than Gen1 Taylors, & he is a man of more talent than Polk
or John Tyler.

I am too old to embark in politics. A man who
is about to leave the world should loose the liga¬
ments which bind him to it. You are young & if

197

you have health, ought in any small way you are able,
if it be but slight, to do your Country Service; honestly, let
what will, happen, & though you see ever so many from
selfish motives sustaining the Cause of dishonour let it
not influence you. The (Latin for clear conscience) will
ever be a sufficient satisfaction for disappointment, want
of success want of office and a minority. The pages of
History show us that the best men have not been always
successful. A character like that of Jn Jay in public life
is worth more than any office in the gift of the people, but
the temptation is so strong to be with the Majority that
many of our young men seek not what is right but the place
where they suppose the spoils will be kept. The Old Fed¬
eral Party is now a name for all things wrong in politics,
but it was the only honest party I ever knew. Men then
livd who lovd, as Lord Mansfield said of himself, that
popularity which followd not that which was run after.
Such men as Oliver Ellsworth, Roger Griswold, Chauncey
Goodrich, Frederick Wolcott, Grandfather Edmond &c,
have pass'1 away with their white toppd boots white stock¬
ings & small cloathes. The only remaining specimen I
know of is David Daggett of New Haven. His mental
powers are gone, but to see one of those men, as I have,
who once knew them, is worth a long pilgrimage. The men
who established our Independance and assisted in the forma¬
tion of our Constitution were finally outvoted by those who
opposd the latter measures, and nobly gave up the work
of their hands (by which we now live & breathe & have
our being) to unworthy successors. I have said much of
little value, on a subject which occupies little of my at¬
tention. I am happy that the weather is better for your
Mothers ride in an open waggon than I anticipated, it is
now 12 & has raind very little.

Affectionately,

H Curtis

198

iuov not lolled si idiijcsw orfi icrij m& * .noijmi

[I84S]

Monday, November 6. Just before leaving for
Albany, I received a letter from my Father announc¬
ing the death of our old and much valued friend Mr. Bel¬
lamy, the last of a name of a good English stock. He was
at college with my Father, and for almost forty years they
have been in practice at the bar in the same county. He
was a high minded, upright man, and possessed the esteem
and confidence of all who knew him.

Friday, November io. General Taylor is chosen Presi¬
dent, by one of those vast majorities, that show that he is
the choice of the nation, and not of a party. I voted for
the nomination of the Barnburners,* but am content with
the result of the present election; though I should much
have preferred to have seen the presidential office filled by
a man pledged to oppose the passage of slavery across the
Rio Grande. This is almost the first election in which I
have taken interest, and I believe I am at heart more .

( Excerpts from letter of Holbrook Curtis)

Watertown Friday 10th Novr 1848

Dear William.

I regret you suffer the small cares of business so to prey

upon your sensitive system, but I know what it is, & how

foolish it is although I was the victim of it the greater part

of my life, & probably might have been wealthy & better

known had I not been so great a fool, as to avoid business,

to free mvself from more serious cares, but a vounc: lawver,

must ever look to the good time coming. Your political

debut, if you were looking for office, was not remarkably

opportune. However I suppose you are not so strongly

committed but that you can hurrah for Taylor, I think if

I have no extra expenses, I shall be able to live hereafter

for about $800 per annum. It will probably cost you as
i /

•The Barn Burners followed Van Buren. a split in the Democratic party
who were willing, like the Dutchman who burned his barn, to lose everything
if they could not gain their point — the right of new States and territories to de¬
cide for themselves on questions of slavery etc

199

■

[/* 48]

much as that, which here would be a large sum to raise
from business. I suppose when you get all your business
in full sail under the new Code, it will do itself. As I have
the impression it was establish"1 to enable every man to be
his own lawyer, and it would be a pity if regular built
lawyers could not get along with it, as well as Tailors 5c
Blacksmiths. It has ever been a great ambition to settle
the troubles 5c controversies of life with-out the aid of law¬
yers, but little progress has ever been made. Your new
system I know not much of, you require the Testimony in
a Chancery case to be taken w* writing.

I wish you would see when my paper runs out & renew
it paying them the $5, which I will remit to you as well
as money for envelopes if you send some.

Greelv on the whole has considerable talent, though too
much an Agrarian. I intend if the weather be warmer to
go to Bethlehem tomorrow. It may perhaps if you should
live any number of years be fortunate that you learnt some¬
thing of the old English Practice as I think those who come
after cannot know much of it, and it may be necessarv some-
times to have something to fall back upon. . . . give

my regards to all relatives and inquiring friends, particu¬
larly remember me to my Dear little Charlotte McLean 5c
her husband as well as to Charles Chapman as there are
few relics of our family. I hope you may be useful to him,
remembering that as his Senior he has a right to look to
you for Examples of prudent correct & dignified Conduct
5c manners, as well as for additional information 5c improve¬
ment .

Watertown Sabbath Afternoon Novr 29th /q8

. . . . Old Mr Bacon 5c his wife are worth $200,000.,

have no child but Frank and a grand child living who
represents a deceasd son. if the old gentleman calls on you
be sure always to treat him with some civility. The old
Aristocracy of Connecticut are passd away, some slight

200

- - r

iqmi 36 rohiUD u a ' ru ibb£ ic ir II yu efi fiisnatm 28

•*3T AW

‘ -.1

[1848]

mementos remain in some of our older men, and however
much we may talk of Democracy there was an elevation of
soul about that class of men not found in our degenerate

day s. * • • . .

Watertown Sunday 3d Decr /q8

. M” Mallery returned from N York where she

had been a few days something like a week since, she con¬
firm*1 what I had before heard in two or three instances,
that I was about to have a daughter in law. After a repeti¬
tion of the story several times Mr Goodwin mention11 it to
me at Litchfield last Court, 1 succeeded in having him fix
the Venue, which I had not before enquir*1 about, he said it
was down in Washington Street Hd & gave me a name
which began with E the same given by Mrs M. Although
there is coincidence, I somehow gave not the slightest credit
to the story, and should not have repeated it, but that I have
generally found the young of both sexes are somewhat vain
of being talkd of on such subjects, perhaps it is well how¬
ever for men not to be very assiduous in visiting families
where there are young ladies, if they have no view of the
kind, for the female market is not as good as it formerly
was, and I have within the last few years known two or
three instances of a family implying a contract on very
slight circumstances, perhaps not an advantage for a poor
young lawyer, who had only his briefs to rely on for main¬
tenance. You appear to be having something to do most of
the time, and that is what keeps one up to the law, since I
have been on the Court, I have refusd business in this vicin¬
ity which might by any possibility come before me, and in¬
deed business was always more tedious to me if of a critical
nature than it ought to have been. I have no doubt if I had
given up amusements, work11 hard, & gone where business
was to be done, I might have earnd some reputation as well
as money. I try some cases now as Auditor & Arbitrator,
make and record a few deeds, and am persuaded that if I

201

■

3vcd I tfirfl Jud ,)i balfiaqai svcd ion bluodi bnr. ,V'oJ2 odJ oJ

; n i ,,d ji m! ” mw ; j> ,1 Bit ‘iww qu navig

[1848 and 1849 ]

had not taken the office of Judge, I might now do a business
worth more than my salary. There are three requisites to
make a lawyer rich, business, the art of collecting ones dues,
& economy, if I had livd on as little as many of my brethren
have I might have savd a tolerable estate only in that
way ......

1 848.

P* We now have a mail from N Yk every day, so put your
letter in without regard to Day.

Litchfield Decr 19th, 1848.

Dear William,

I came to Litchfield this afternoon, where I shall be
engag’d two weeks, may adjourn over Christmas, at all
events I shall be at home over the Sabbath, and should
be glad if you would come home if convenient. John
Buckingham told me that Chloe Beach was coming up
on Saturday before Cr, on the N Yk & N Hn Rail Road
so I suppose it is expected to be done by that time.

There is a great rush to California. I think the gold
will be variegated with Yellow fever or black vomit, & it
may help some persons, will not however be as valuable
as Iron would, as it is of small use in the arts, and merely
enables its possessors to indulge in extravagances, which
have ever had the tendency to effeminate & degrade Man¬
kind. Spain is an example. However, perhaps we should
all be willing to accept a portion of it without the labour
incident to the acquisition of it here.

You are not yet old, I was almost 29 when first I was
married, My first child would be 32 if now living.
I was 35 when married to your Mother, and if you are old,
what must I be? I feel gratified that you can earn your
living, but should regret that by any overexertion you
should injure yr health or improperly expose yourself,
Mental & Physical labour properly divided prolong life,
overaction at either end sometimes injures.

202

[7<?^]

Letter from H. Curtis

Watertown January 20th 1849

You have found you can place some reliance on
yourself, and I am sure none of the small incidents, in the
shape of interruption of views, which more or less belong
to the whole body of Mankind, will disturb you for a
moment. I have repeatedly thought within a year, that I
had express43 a view or opinion on a certain occasion, which
if carried out, might possibly be productive of anything
but domestic enjoyment. There can be no Aristocracy in
this country but that which belongs to mind & character,
correct views & sentiments are of more consequence than
anything else. In early life, I had strong feelings, consider¬
able Pride, and was somewhat punctilious, and have been
twice at least (to say nothing of minor cases) placd in situa¬
tions which at the time I consider43 very trying, & from
which I believe a portion of that worldly management,
which I have ever despised, would for the time have reliev43
me. I have liv43 long enough to thank God many times, for
my escape from wretchedness, and have adopted the belief,
that there is a good Angel or “ Divinity that shapes our
Ends, rough hew them how we will,” and rescues us from
many dangers into which we would otherwise unwittingly
run. Men and women who are strong in themselves are
proud of their strength, the weak and simple have family
Pride & I have notic43 that a family which has matur43 is
apt to retrograde, and that there is not as much confidence
to be plac43 in those who look back as in those who look
forward ....

Monday, January 22, 1849. I have today removed from
Mr. Pelerin's. For nearly three years have I been domi¬
ciled there and when I find myself separated pour a jamais ,
it is with strong emotions. During those three years, I
have both learned and lost. Miss Pelerin possesses great
amiability and good sense, warmly attached to her, for she
has ever shown me great kindness. Mais il me faut rester

203

118491

dans un Hotel Americain, et je suis loge a present a Judson's
Hotel.

Note: This shows how he mastered French, Spanish and Italian. E.C.)

Excerpt from Holbrook Curtis

Watertown February 8th 1849

I sometimes feel apprehensions that I may go off some¬
what suddenly, within the last year Messrs J. H. Bellamy
& Nath1 P Perry Esqrs both of this County, each about a
year younger than myself have died. I was intimate with
both of them. I believe the only lawyer remaining at this
bar older than myself is Mr Sterling (6c he never attends
another Court.) Phelps is a year younger and it was only
yesterday or day before Doctor Linslcy, a man about my
own age, sawing wood fell suddenly dead 6c never breathd
again, at Middlcbury, where he livd, so I feel that I ought
to have my house ready, but our thoughts do not naturally
stray from the things of Earth, while we remain on it, the
death of an Individual makes little difference with the
great world, we look at those who remain 6c forget those

who are gone . I see your Legislature has

made a Senator of Mr Seward who seems to have strong
friends 6c a strong opposition, however he has the Senate
for 6 years. I hardly understand the Whig Principles in
New York. It seems to me they outradical the Loco Focos.
I don’t know that they have any Conservatism. I believe
the principle is for each man to seize what he can 5c run
with it, and if the Paper which I have patronizd for many
years 6c still continue to do, speaks the sentiments of the
great Whig Party in New York I like them a trifle less than
any party I have ever known. The Whigs here when I was
about 6c among folks, were a party in favour of enforcing
the laws, securing to every one the enjoyment of private
property 6c encouraging domestic industry, by guarding the
rights and property of every individual whether rich or
poor. I understand by the Tribune that we all ought to

204

•• ’ t ■ ■ 1 : ;

_ / o-iMV

■

Judge Holbrook Curtis

iiS49]

live in Common like the Nomadic Tribes & people, that
Tenants ought to retain the lands leasd to them & pay no
rents, that Capital & most other punishments ought to be
abolish'1 & Criminals reformd by Singing Songs to them.
And then again you needed some legal Reform in your
State particularly in your Chancery proceedings, but a
Code to practice law by, that shall embrace all the necessary
authorities, so that everybody can understand it, is an im¬
position & a fallacy. Our legislature for the last two or
three years has been possess11 by evil spirits. I presume
in the spring, between Free Soil & disgust, the State will
go over to Loco Focoism, unless the strength of the Incom¬
ing Administration shall prevent it, however I care little
about the subject, believing the men who howl in the Politi¬
cal Arena all about equally corrupt ....

It will probably take a trifle more than 4
months to make a continuous Rail Road Route to Water-
bury, when passing will be expeditious, and I hope you will
come more frequently, and perhaps I shall go more fre¬
quently. I suppose you are all California in New York.
I understand both the Goodwin boys have gone, sons of
Oliver, people leave who have wives & families with an
apparent impression that they shall come home rich. The
reflection of the scourges of sickness, disorder & other trials
to which they will be exposed leaves but a Melancholy
Image of the Gold they will get. The numbers going will
cause quite a depopulation of our Country, few will return
& those probably broken down for life ....

Watertown Thursday March 15th 1849

Dear William

I have heard of McCauley’s England, and was thinking
I must try to save enough some way to purchase it. Mc.
is a beautiful writer, my only objection to him has been
that as an English Whig, I have thought heretofore he un¬
derrated & bespattered the establish'1 Church, cry'1 up the

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[1849]

Puritans, and with Carlyle & others of a late period had
attempted to falsify History for the purpose of damning
the House of Stuart, the establish*1 religion of England,
& repealing the Curse which history has pronouncd upon
Cromwell, as express*1 by Pope.

“ Or ravishd with the whistling of a name,

See Cromwell damnd to everlasting fame.”

But McCauley is getting older, and in his Parliamentary
career shewd himself tolerant. I suppose since Scott’s
death he is the best Prose writer in England (or rather
Great Britain). In regard to yr office, I hope you
are well accommodated. Mr M11 is an old acquaintance
& you may confide in him. I dislike ever to mention the
name of a stranger disrespectfully, but the other person
you named, whose initials are “ C G.” it may be I never
heard of before, but there was a person of that name,
who I have heard turnd out a rowdy, intemperate &c,
may be this is not the person, perhaps if it is, I may
have been misinform*1, or if true he may have reform*1.
You doubtless know enough of human nature to use
proper precaution in all cases. I thought I ought to
mention it.

Letter from William to Judge Holbrook Curtis asking
advice. It shows the intimacy between father and son.

No. 54 Wall St. March 20, 1849.

Dear Father,

I wish to trouble you on a matter of business.

Jno. J. Livingston has just called upon me and has paid
me a small fee, and says that in case I succeed they will
pay me a thousand dollars. It is as follows: Mary his
mother married in 1788 Mr. Livingston who was for some
years a Colonel in the Revolution. He died about 1816.
She then married Mr. Betts who died a few years since.
Mrs. Betts now lies in a feeble state from paralysis, and

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[Jtyp]

has been informed that nearly $6,000 pension money in the
way of back dues has accrued to her. She may not live but a
few days and they have been victimized by some person
who has taken no steps in the matter.

Now it is an unusual thing for a lawyer here to make
application of this kind, and I am totally ignorant of the
law and proceedings in such cases.

Knowing that you have some experience I wish to ob¬
tain from you the following information

Is Mrs. Betts under the late Act of Congress entitled
to a Pension? What steps and what proof is necessary?
Are there any directions in particular to be followed?

Lastly, if she should succeed, can I by an Assignment
or Power of Attorney, in some way secure my pay, as I
know the nature of the beast too well not to be aware that
he will pocket the funds when I have had the expense and
trouble of procuring them.

Please to favor me with whatever you may think proper
in the way of information, for I am as ignorant as a Hotten¬
tot, which way to turn, and have known only enough to cul¬
tivate a proper opinion of my capacity, and name a modest
sum for a recompense, as you percieve.

It is late and with love to Mother I close hoping to hear
by return mail. If you have printed instructions please
send me the same.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Watertown March 30th

Dear William

I wrote you a letter inclosing some instructions as soon
as I returned from New Preston, and put it in the mail
Sabbath evening. I have never had just such a case as
that of Mrs. Betts, I believe pensions were first granted
by an Act of 1818, and I should suppose Mrs Betts if a
widow of Livingston at that .time (if the necessary proof

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1*849]

could be obtained) would be entitled to a pension from that
time until she married Betts, when I suppose it would cease.
You probably now know the rules of evidence if you have
recd a circular applicable to such cases, as well as I do.
I dont know whether you can obtain any evidence sufficient,
if neither the Minister is living or the officer who per¬
formed the ceremony, and there is no record of any descrip¬
tion of any person who was at the wedding, why all you
can do is to send her lettersteel, sworn to by her, and evi¬
dence of cohabitation as man 6c wife, and the Common
fame 6c opinion of neighbors, that she was the wife, that
they had children — 6c whether such evidence is sufficient
I know not. You must show there is no other if you rely
on that.

I presume before this time you have recd my other
letter which told you all I knew in the premises and
likewise told you I regretted you undertook it. Judge Jay
of Bedford is a relation 6c she has some in New York,
but they may or may not be able to give you information
on the subject. It is frequently of late attended with
trouble 6c expense to search the records of the place, 6c
perhaps it may be in some old bible in - in trust.

Affectionately

H. Curtis

Saturday, March 31st. This is the first warm day of
summer, that tells us the winter is gone. The Battery is
fresh, and green, and the birds and the green leaves will
soon make these brick walls fearfully irksome. I am at
leisure for the most part this week, and I think my business
prospects are not at present very promising.

Letter from Holbrook Curtis — April 9, 1849
Dear William:

Tomorrow I go to Litchfield to hold my Court for
April, two weeks. It has usually heretofore been but one
week, but business has so accumulated, that we have agreed

208

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^ni^imoiq xi3V Jon ^lo^cjsoiq

to make the April short session on two weeks. Our Legis-
lature looks squally. I believe the Whigs have a majority
in the Senate. It is doubtful about the House. The State
Officers are elected by joint ballots, all the others by reso¬
lution, which must receive the support of a majority of
each House, acting separately. Three or 5 or 6 months pay
as a member of Congress will not indemnify a man for the
loss of his practice as a lawyer, if he is doing much. When
lost, he can never again recover it. Your grandfather Ed¬
mond served two terms in Congress. Left a good practice.
And then when he could have been elected for years with¬
out a question, declined being a candidate and returned to
practice.

Watertown, April 18, 1849

(From Holbrook Curtis)

Dear William.

You will be apt to find information of the services of
Mr. Livingston from the Jays, who I take it were related.
That is I believe Judge Jay’s wife was Governor Living¬
ston’s sister. I may be mistaken. Their knowledge if they
have any is traditionary, but I should think William Jay
of Bedford, West Chester County, would be so much of a
family historian that (if the relationship exists) if you
were to address a letter of enquiry to him postpaid, stating
your wishes he would know the fact and instruct you where
you might find the necessary evidence. There are some
of his sisters living in New York, on whom you might call.
I should suppose if he had been an officer, they would
know it from tradition and might tell you where you could
find evidence of the fact.* I am glad you have not formed
a partnership with the man of whom you speak. It might
be advantageous, but for the most part that is a ship I
never should wish to sail in. I can spend money enough
on my own account and wish no partner to have the power

*This case was satisfactorily concluded after trips to New Jersey and much
delving into old records.

209

t 1849]

of helping me, and if I ever formed any company business
I should wish it so that the one could not commit the other
by writing the company name. The public usually say
caution is greatly developed in my case. I however think
perhaps you may have made a good arrangement, and
without knowing anything on the subject, I thought you
might find the office you just rented in some respect ob¬
jectionable. You do not say how your rooms are now as
to ventilation, a matter of some consequence if you stay
there in dog days.

Friday, May 11, 1849. No. 5 Nassau St.

Dear Parents,

We had an affair last night here, which created some sen¬
sation, and the excitement continues today. You are
doubtless informed of the difficulty between McCready and
Forrest. Last evening some additional disturbance was
anticipated, and very unwisely as I think, and contrary
to the advice of the Chief of Police, it was determined to
call out the 7th Regiment. The military force was paraded
in various parts of the City during the latter part of the
afternoon, and this feature had the effect of magnifying
what would otherwise have been a comparatively trivial
affair. Every one thought there would be some fun to use
the phrase, and in consequence a vast body of spectators as¬
sembled. I had other engagements, but I think every
person nearly at the Hotel went up.

This dense crowd formed a cover in front of which a
few men and a large number of boys shouted and threw
stones at the theater and soldiers, and then escaped into the
crowd of spectators when the Police sallied forth to arrest
them.

The military fired as I am informed without giving any
notice, with murderous effect into the crowd, i9/20th of
which was composed of spectators. A very respectable
friend of mine who had just left the adjoining Church,

210

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told me that he considered the military force uncalled for,
their presence only serving to attract a crowd, and promote
irritation, and that their fire was given with no preliminary
notice, and at a time when the police were present in great
force. My own idea from what we can see in Paris and
other cities where for fifty years mobs have been fired upon
is, that it never cowes the mob so much as it hardens and
brutalizes all classes. It has never been done in New York
before. A charge with the bayonet, as was done in Montreal
would have sufficed to have cleared the street.

I saw this morning the sides of a house marked by
ounce bullets in 8 places as if a pick axe had been struck
upon it with some force, and three young men lying dead
on the floor of a room at the Station House as they were
picked up and carried in, their boots and clothes on and
their faces and shirts marked with blood. One was shot
with a musket ball through the breast, another through
the throat and the other through the head, and they were
placed in one corner as carelessly as so many dead dogs
would have been. This much for the riot.

I am quite well and I shall be able to come up the lat¬
ter part of next week with Mr. Scudder, but I think it
very doubtful, still I may. I will write to you when I shall
come.

Yours Affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Tuesday, July 3, 1849. It is cool and delightful but
the atmosphere is freighted with the cholera which is
sweeping far and wide over the country. There were 108
cases in this City reported yesterday and 39 deaths. Little
fear seems to be manifested as yet. The Courts are doing
but. a trifling amount of business, and no defaults are taken.
In a few days the lawyers will say good-bye to these brick
walls.

August 2. I left home in the morning and reached
Hartford via Meriden at noon. Went to City Hotel.

21 1

t 1849]

Heard the Inaugural address of the new President John
Williams* and was delighted. Dined with the Alumni,
meeting of my class Clerc, Scott, Sanford, and my old chum
Stone, and also Priest. I made some calls with Sanford.
Took tea with him at Mrs. Chapman’s. Attended the
Levee at the house of Pres. Williams, and made my head
swim with occasional glances at the fair face and beautiful
form of sweet Harriet, or as more familiarly termed Plal
Brownell. In the evening I supped at the Lunch with
many old friends at the anniversary supper of the I. K. A.
and retired among the small hours of the morning to a
sleepless bed.

Wednesday, August 8, 1849. I have hardly seen my
way as yet through the accumulated confusion of a fort¬
night’s absence. 1 have been to Jersey City and as the
plank was hauled in I said farewell to my old friend Henry
S. Sanford. Le Bon Dieu vous garde mon cher ami! C’est
tou jours ma Priere!

Wednesday, August 15. Yesterday afternoon I attended
at Trinity Church the funeral of Albert Gallatin. He had
seen ninety winters, he had stood guard by the watchfires
that ushered in the morning of our Republic, he had borne
an honorable part in all the earlier administrations of the
Government, and honored and respected by the people, he
was carried down into the narrow house and laid by the
side of her, the companion of his life who preceded him by
a few days. Thus are the last of the Patres Venerabiles
of the State falling from our midst.

“ Iusum ac tenacem proposita virum
Non civium ardor prava iuberitium
Non vultus iustantis tyranni
Mente quatit solida, neque Auster.”

Friday, August 24, 1849. Saturday, last I went to Suf¬
folk County and passed Sunday and Monday very agree-

•Later the Bishop of Connecticut. The handsomest old man I ever saw, a
great friend of our family.

212

•:! jos 'Hi rd >9 r ?n if; v.onoil bns ^nornrnr/oO

t 1 h i vml :*» :<

‘

Elizabeth Payne Edmond
(Mrs. Plolbrook Curtis)

[7^9]

ably at the house of Mr. Scudder. One fair nymph has
left quite an impression upon my flinty heart. Since pen¬
ning the foregoing I have received a note to a picnic which
I would be most happy to accept but I fear I must decline.

I include this sort of thing which with Judge Holbrook Curtis’ letters form a
*ort of link between Revolutionary days and the fifties — Much of William Curtis’
journal is dull but gives a picture of College, vacation at Watertown, and his
professional start in New York.

Excerpt from Holbrook Curtis’ letter.

Yesterday was very hot & I thought of Cholera. I
see considerable lamentation in Temperance Papers about
the use of brandy for cholera Patients. My own opinion
is that which I have derivd from Doctor Elton that Spirit
may benefit Persons (who do not use it in health), when
sick or recovering from sickness, but I have heard him say
that he always lost his Patients in fever who usd it constantly,
or to use his own language “ kept full ” as he cannot
stimulate them with anything, if fever is off, when they
are sick. On the whole, Men should use good sense on all
occasions, be prudent, the slave of no habit in eating drink¬
ing or gambling &c or anything else. I smoke Segars
some times and sometimes forbear doing it, being doubtful
whether it is useful or hurtful, have a strong appetite, and
eat sometimes more than I ought, which is the only habit
to which I am at all enslavd. I can smoke or let it alone.
I was born train'1 and seasond in the midst of brandy rum
winkum, Porter & current wine, never lovd it, or even the
effect of it, and now perfectly hate it all or what I have
seen of its desolation. My mother (Esther Holbrook) had
5 or 6 fine brothers, who were ruined by it, Cardplaying.
My Grandfather gave most of his estate to his boys on his
side, it did them no good. My father did not receive from
his father half as much as Uncle Abel, the sons of the lat¬
ter who are living, are Nobody, or drunkards, or gamblers
or both. I earnt only enough to live, until within 2 or 3
Years, I said “ go to, I will be wise,” and have savd some¬
thing, and if I had my strength continued long enough,

[ ,1 (ski idloi io< t< ' vj ijornvl-i .noils !

• uv IqbvO A ,l» -<d banioi oio w ori v ,mri) na 5n,!;> k> >.

Ii849\

might lay up, which I find consists alone in saving. I was
educated suitably to make a gambler & drunkard as I was
surrounded by folks that turnd out such all the early part
of my life, but I never lost or gain3 a Penny by any game
of Chance, and could not play a decent hand of Cards any
day of my life. I believe it may be a spirit of opposition
in me, but if I find a young man inclind to either of those
vices, the spirit of repugnance in me amounts to Hatred,
although it be a man with whom I am scarce acquainted.
The result of all is that My Grandfather Holbrook (Cap¬
tain John Holbrook of Derby, Connecticut), though rich,
gave his estate principally to his boys. My Mother one
of 12 Children recd but a few hundred dollars, although
the boys recd enough in those days to make them what was
calld rich. (Esther Holbrook was left the property at
Oyster Bay which my grandfather never tried to claim).
My father recd less than he ought to have done from his
father, added something, lost by Isaac Tomlinson (his son-
in-law) a large sum. I Tn was an amiable inefficient
man, broke down in early life, and here am I about to
render an account of my stewardship, Not very flattering
to me. I have just savd what I've had, while if it had not
been for my early detestation of all Rowdyism, you would
have been born an heir to rags & loaferism, for no man
who was ever born had better opportunity to improve his
education in the science that leads to loaferism. My mother
was a good woman of strong sensibility & piety. My
father had good natural sense, honourable feelings was
pious in his feelings & intentions, but like most of the name
when we were born had very excitable feelings, which
sometimes ran bevond his control. I do not think as a

general rule, it is fortunate to be very sensitive. My
Mother was easily movd to tears, she was hospitable, kind
to the poor & distress3, that same morbid sensibility kept
me from doing any thing the early part of my life. I ob-
servd the same deep feelings in Henry. I think you are

214

1*849]

free from it, an advantage so far as business is concernd.
I ought perhaps to have said My father & both Grand¬
fathers attended family Prayers always on the Sabbath, par¬
tially on Week days. My Grandfather Holbrook was a Whig
6c a Churchman, such a case was unusual at the North, &
he became so indignant because his Minister, Dr Mansfield,
sympathyzed with the English that he turned Presbyterian,
all my Relatives were Churchmen with the exception of
this aberration. My father usd to pettifog cases sometimes,
was a ready 6c fluent speaker, lovd to read, and was unpopu¬
lar with the mob & irreligious. I thought I would some¬
time say something of my progenitors, as tradition is all
the knowledge we have on such subjects. No person knows
his duty to parents until he has children.

Affectionately

H Curtis

Letter from H. Curtis.

Watertown Sept 23d 1849 Sunday

Dear William,

I have had an unusual amount of leisure this summer
until the last 2 weeks, when I have been very constantly
engaged. You live in a great City where there is much sin 6c
wickedness, to which I hope the foundation has been so
well laid you will not be exposd, 6c will be proof against
the temptation. I have had many friends much more suc¬
cessful than Myself in accumulating property, who will
leave it to those who will soon suqander it. The Tal-
mages 6c Governor Wolcott of Litchfield had much better
have left $100 apiece to their sons than what they did. San¬
ford was engaged for Blakeslce in this Town Case, he was
formerly a Partner with Mr. B of Litchfield, and has a
son Sophomore year at Yale College. He was speaking of his
solicitude and the little expectation of Men for educated
children, from the Numerous Cases in this County where
such have turnd out Rowdies and drunkards. He said Mr.

215

US491

B — by his perseverence & industry had accumulated over
$100,000, 6c that what should be left to his sons would not
last 5 years. It is the remark of Prince Eugene in his
Memoirs, that “ I have had very little time to sin in this
world, and perhaps constant employment is as certain an
antidote to an irregular life, as any there is.” Yet the legal
profession has tendencies, particularly with advocates,
which it is necessary strongly to resist, not to become dis¬
agreeable 6c unbearable. I have noticed it in others as
well as myself, who am less exposd than most of my pro¬
fession, the constant collision of mind to which the profes¬
sion is subject exposes them to become disagreeable, cynical
6c repulsive. Now as you are but young, by close attention
6c management, you can control any such habit, if you see
it growing upon yourself. I think you may be constitution¬
ally somewhat punctilious and particular — but there is
No habit or tendency a man may not govern. I am getting
old 6c must of necessity soon leave. I see so much of death
around me, that I ought any day to be prepard for his Ap¬
proach, the young may die soon, the old must. Your Mother
is of frail constitution but may by many years survive Me,
if in such an event you should be living, she will for care
be entirely dependent on you. Patience, forbearance 6c
kindness to old, feeble people is necessary to make them
comfortable. I wish therefore you would train yourself
as much as you can to be agreeable in such cases. It is not
expected such people in their conversation or intercourse
will be concise and exact as special pleaders. And if you
can gratify their curiosity by answering any enquiries they
may make at full length even — though they may not ap¬
pear to have any Interest in the subject Matter you will
increase their happiness at a slight inconvenience, and it
may be necessary to overlook what is defection or amiss
in Men. My reason for making these remarks is I thought
the 2 or 3 last times you had been home I discovered a
somewhat alterd manner on your part, which might need

216

iftluobifiq ,23i I

nfiD l/O^ f }um 2£

t 1849]

some guard, & that I might never have the opportunity
of giving the caution, & it is not from any love of sermon¬
izing I put such things in a letter . . . But I have

long been convincd that a small amount of Talent may suc¬
ceed in almost anything. Truman Smith is certainly not
a very great man. Perseverence with No great degree of
scrupulousness, are his prominent qualities, yet I perceive
he fills a large space in the public walk. Mrs. Tomlinson
came to our house a week ago last Tuesday. I have been
so much engaged I have hardly seen her. She & your
Mother are at Church, & of course do not know I am writ¬
ing.

Affectionately & C

Journal W. E. C.

Saturday, September 29th, 1849. This day marks me
twenty-six years old. I am humbled, and I despise myself
when I see how much I can achieve and the utter nothing¬
ness of that which I have accomplished. Hope and Am¬
bition gild the future before me, but each birthday when
I look back tells me how cowardly I am, how enslaved by
passions, how retrograde in life’s journey of progress.

The past has been a bitter year, the sweetest dream of
rny life has forever vanished, nor hope, nor aught was left
to console me, or mitigate the sorrow. I cowed in despair
to my misfortune, and threw myself recklessly into the
tumult of all that could distract weary and wretched
thoughts. But I this day sternly swear to abandon the past
and to toil and conquer for the future.

Thursday, October 25, 1849. I have passed most of
the last fortnight at Watertown, having made two visits
there on account of my Father’s severe illness.

Wednesday, November 7. The City and probably the
State have gone for the Whigs. I voted the Democratic

217

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[ 1849 and 1850']

ticket. The weather is foggy and disagreeable, and busi¬
ness dull.

Monday, November 19. I am reading with great de¬
light Chateaubriand “ Memoirs D'Outre Tombe.”

January 2, 1850. Half frozen by the severe cold, I
yesterday rode about all day and called on my friends, and
today find myself, exhausted by the exposure, and almost
incompetent to write in my journal. Ten years since I
commenced this journal with Henry S. Sanford, who sent
me by the steamer a note with his New Year's compliments.
He is now Secretary of Legation at Paris and I, I am go¬
ing tomorrow morning to try a cause at the Kings Co. Cir¬
cuit. I am too far gone with the misery of yesterday's
fatigue and dissipation to read over the papers tonight.
Au Revoir.

Saturday, Jan. 1 8th. I am occupied with old business,
very few new suits brought. Tonight we have a ball at
the Hotel given by those of us who board there. The
Misses Mills’ of 12th Street have promised me the pleasure
of escorting them. I was last evening at a party given
by Henry E. Davies, and am today miserable as I usually
am after any little dissipation.

Thursday, Jan. 24. I am busy, partly in arranging my
business so I can leave for Washington on Saturday, and
also in a little speculation in the purchase of some mort¬
gages. General Saltus died today at Judson Hotel, an
eccentric bachelor whom I shall never forget. A Falstaff
in life and morals, he died after a brief illness, with three
score years and more upon him babbling of green fields
and murmuring “ God, God, God.” I shall never forget
the contrast either, between last Friday night when, after
the small hours had more than commenced, he prome-
narded the ball-room upon my arm, keeping time with
the music, strutting as usual, with a smile upon his face, and
his white head pressed back upon his shoulders, and then
this morning, insensible, haggard, groaning with every

218

rtiifi tuqu norn bnE aic'jy diode

0*50]

respiration, his beard grown, and no weeping eyes around
him, whilst he painfully surrendered that life which he
has so often told me would last to a hundred years, that
his father died by accident at eighty-eight. “Alas, poor
Yorick.”

Journey to Washington.

Friday, January 25th, 1850. I left New York at half
past four p. m. and reached the United States Hotel in
Philadelphia about ten o’clock of the same evening. The
brilliant light of the full moon rendered the journey pleasant
and enabled me to form some conceptions of the character of
the country through which I was travelling. Miss — was
seated at my side, and if she had possessed a little more
beauty or a little more spirit, we could have commenced
rather a romantic flirtation.

Saturday, Jan. 26th. After rather an uncomfortable
night’s rest, I found myself in the Baltimore cars early in
the morning, dragging slowly through the quite tame, and
to my taste uninteresting and cheaply constructed streets of
Philadelphia. I was very favorably impressed with the
character of country through Pennsylvania and Delaware,
and for some distance into Maryland. The negroes, the
sixty acre wheat and corn field, and the ploughing of the
fields during this, with us, inclement month, told me that I
was in another latitude, and in a slave-holding state.

1 reached Baltimore about 2 p. m., dined, walked out
to the Washington monument, and visited the cathedral,
and just at night left for Washington. Baltimore as well
as Philadelphia, seem small and meanly constructed cities
as compared with New York. The streets about the docks
were lined with clusters of ragged, dirty negroes, but the
upper part of the town is well-built and agreeable.

I stopped at Coleman’s National Hotel in Washington
and with my friend, Mr. Shelton, of Derby, Conn., was
put in a damp basement room of the court, or rather a

219

lr8so\

ground room, which was heated to about 130 by a coal
stove, while the temperature without was about 68, and
I had a most wretched and uncomfortable night's attempt
at rest.

Sunday, Jan. 27. This morning as I passed through the
corridor to breakfast, I met a tall, thin, elderly gentleman
dressed in black, his vest buttoned to his chin, and a gold
chain passing about his neck, and over each side of his vest
to his waistcoat pocket, and with long white, or nearly
white hair. I looked at the face, — I had never seen the
original before — but I had seen the marked features so
often portrayed in every variety of style and position that
I could not mistake it. It was Henry Clay, the idol of so
many honest men, and the pride of his countrymen. He had
a beautiful woman on each side of him, and as I passed he
wished me a good morning, for every body here knows Mr.
Clay and when met in the house he conceives that he might
cut some modest friend if he passed any persons as stran¬
gers. After breakfast Mr. Shelton and myself attended the
Ep iscopal Church. Casting my eyes back I saw another
person, whose face I had never seen, but whose features
were familiar. I recognized the short, stout, erect, iron-
grey headed, hawk-eyed, big nosed man, dressed in dark
blue buttoned to the chin, with a military look and posture
of the shoulders, General Taylor, the President. He used
no book in his devotions, but seemed contented and com¬
fortable, with Mrs. Bliss at his side. After church, his
daughter took his arm and with great republican sim¬
plicity walked home, as I did, while some others went in
carriages and liveries. The day was excessively warm and
to escape the heat of the sun we sought the shaded sides
of the streets. We strolled about Washington and the
grounds of the Capitol, already assuming the green hue of
summer. /

In the evening with Miss S. on my arm I went to the
same church but it was closed, and then we walked back

220

*•

[i8S0\

by a glorious moon, but it was all in vain. No romance
pour nous deux.

Monday, Jan. 28. In company with Mr. Shelton and
Senator Baldwin of Connecticut I called on the President.
He received us with the most cordial simplicity, and favor¬
ably impressed me as to his good-sense and his judgment
concerning men, things and politicians.

I visited the Patent Office, and saw the camp sword
and uniforms of General Washington, then the Senate
Chamber. After I had entered the ladies’ gallery I looked
down upon the galaxy of Statesmen that are now assembled
there. The men with whose names I have been so familiar
since child-hood, and whose long speeches read aloud by
my father in the newspapers, during the winter evenings,
have so often hushed me and my dog to sleep as we were
stretched out together on the carpet before the bright wood
fire. Ah, ces beaux jours sont passes. I saw Clay, Cass,
Benton, Webster, Davis, Berrien, and a host of others. Mr.
Calhoun was sick, and I did not have the pleasure of see¬
ing him.

During the evening I went to a reception at Mrs. Col-
lamers the wife of the Postmaster General. Miss S. on
my arm, and mama watching us. Pas de danger pour ton
enfant. Mr. Bulwer, the British Minister, was present for
a time, and a crowd of about three hundred, comprising
some lions and lionesses, ladies consisting of mothers and
daughters, and gentlemen for the most past old and M. C.s.
There was no dancing and at 10 I went home and slept
well.

Tuesday, Jan. 29. After attending to some business in
the morning I went to the Senate Chamber. The great
questions agitated at present at Washington are the ad¬
mission of slavery and the Wilmot proviso. The members
from the South are extremely excited and prophecy dis¬
union, bloodshed, etc. Even at Mr. Collamer’s last night
Mr. Butler, the colleague of Mr. Calhoun, from South

221

inscribin' airi bnc s*n-;2-booj gif! oJ «b acn bosgoiqrfr Yw«

jj. r orlT ?1*Jrn*rtO Mr.nsS aril 03 Jffov; 1 gnmiom 3.!*

U850]

Carolina, seemed half deranged on the subject, and begged
some of the Northern ladies to endeavor to open the eyes
of their male accompaniments, and exert themselves to a
struggle to avert the dire and near catastrophe.

Mr. Clay, whose genius, and whose personal influence
have so often enabled him to safely steer the ship of state
through breakers on every side has been looked to by the
men of all parties as the great pilot after God in this
emergency. He has been preparing a compromise, and
today when I visited the Senate Chamber my steps outside
of the gallery were arrested by the sound through the closed
approach to the gallery, of a clear and heavy voice that
seemed to pass through the walls and doors, as if no such
slight obstacles could impede its volume and cadence. I
secured a place inside, and this was Henry Clay, who, an
old man, with more than three score and ten upon his
bleached head and unbroken form, stood with the eyes and
attention of every Senator and every spectator riveted upon
him, speaking in support of the Compromise Resolutions
which he had just submitted to the Senate. Vehement,
full of action, figurative, with his eye and countenance
glistening with an almost supernatural look, I saw my full
conception of what a great popular orator, of what a De¬
mosthenes or a Mirabeau must have been. I listened for
two or three hours with great attention. I saw him intro¬
duce a piece of the coffin of Washington, I heard his beauti¬
ful apostrophe and then when he defined his position on
these momentous questions, I joined in the involuntary out¬
break of applause from the galleries.

Cass, Jeff. Davis, Foote, Mason and many others fol¬
lowed. During the evening I called on Mr. Inge and Mr. *
Harris of Alabama to whom I had letters of introduction,

was very cordially received.

* /

Wednesday, Jan. 30. I was this morning on motion of
the Hon. Mr. Inge, introduced and admitted Attorney and
Counsellor of the Supreme Court of the United States, and

222

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men 1 sguElqqs lo

;o I gniriDV3 srii £nhurCI

17*50]

I lingered some time in the court-room listening to the
arguments of a cause in which Mr. Webster and Mr. Bald¬
win were employed. 1 strolled into the library which
seemed to me to be quite an insignificant affair, compared
to what the Government ought to possess, and after that
passed a most agreeable hour in the examination of the
paintings which surround the Rotunda. From this place
I found my way to the summit of the dome, and enjoyed for
a very long time the view of the lovely valley of the Poto¬
mac.

Thursday, Jan. 31. A fresh, cold, windy morning. I
walked to the landing of the Alexandria boats through the
vacant squares of Washington, and soon found myself in
the old and seemingly half deserted city of Alexandria. I
procured a horse and hurried away through the mud, and
streams in the direction of Mount Vernon, and after two
hours riding over roads that had not been repaired since
Gen. Washington’s death, and through woods, marshes and
farms, without getting sight of a human being, I gave my¬
self up for lost and went hoping to find some house where
I could obtain the information I needed. But all at once
I emerged into six or seven hundred acres of cleared terri¬
tory, with a venerable old mansion showing its weather
cock and chimneys in the distance. I galloped on and from
a grinning negro boy who came towards me with a horse
team floundering in the mud, I learned that this was Mount
Vernon. I reached the house, passed a dilapidated con¬
servatory full of hogs, and. evidently used as a hog-pen,
glanced around at the fast decaying specimens of ancient
ease and wealth, and half dead and famished with cold, I
went to one door of the venerable mansion and knocked,
but no one came. I then walked around to a long piazza
that faces the river, and here better success awaited me. I
sent in my card and a servant showed me to two rooms,
furnished with old fashioned furniture, mouldings and pic¬
tures, the same as in General Washington’s day. The serv-

223

[1 8 so]

ant pointed in the direction of the tomb, and I hastened to
pay my homage to the ashes of the man. I recalled all that
my grandfather had told me in childhood of his intercourse
and of his affection and admiration for General Washing¬
ton, and breaking a twig from an evergreen near by as a
souvenir of my pilgrimage, I mounted my horse, and with
the close of this unpleasant January day I bid Adieu to
Washington, tarried that night in Baltimore and the next
day reached New York.

Letter from Holbrook Curtis.

Sunday, Feby. 3d 1 83a

Dear William:

I Recd your letter from the Capitol, a place I have never
seen, and so small a portion of life is left to me that I prob¬
ably never shall. I hope there is Patriotism enough left in
the Country to induce our Rept. at Washington to preserve
the Union. Mr. Clay has heretofore pursued a Conserva¬
tive course, as in the Case of the Missouri Compromise,
and the South Carolina excitement, but the people at the
South are at this time so violent and unreasonable, that they
will compromise Nothing on Any such terms as are ra¬
tional. And our people at the North will not all of them
readily be made Slave Catchers. I fear the folly and weak¬
ness of a few will be the Means of enciting a Civil War.
The taking of Texas was a vile dishonest transaction, to sus¬
tain the Slave Institutions of the South. I believe that un¬
like Individual, National Sins are punished in this World,
and that we shall have to do much Penance for the wrongs
done to Mexico.

I believe Mr. Mallery expects to leave Watertown with
his family. I see the Scovils had formd a joint Stock Com¬
pany with a Capitol of $200,000, of which their Factnrys,
In Watertown and Waterbury, dwelling Houses and other
buildings, Machinery, Goods and so forth constitute $140,-
000. Mr. Mallery, Eli Curtis, the Buckinghams and sev-

224

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.oDixsl/I ol 3fiob

[**50]

eral others take the remainder, $60,000, Nothing venture
Nothing have is the Maxim, but 1 confess I should hardly
have been willing to take stock under the circumstances if
it could have been given Me. The Real Estate and so forth
turnd in at $140,000, with the power of Controlling the
business entirely on the part of the Scovils. A reverse of
times Makes the buildings worth Nothing when out of use,
but Mr. M. and the others know much better about it than
I do, and Mr. M. has made All the property he has, and I
hope will Make More but I think it would have been safer
to have been hird As he has been heretofore, but he expects
every thing will always continue as it Now is and I should
be very unwilling to intimate to him that I think he has
made a bad operation. I think the Scovils and Bucking¬
hams have Made a good one, As they get $60,000 Cash in
the Concern, and it remains principally theirs. Please re¬
member Me with regard to my Relatives, friends and ac¬
quaintances

Affectionately

H Curtis

Watertown March 24th 1850 Sunday

Dear William.

Yours of the 20th ins1 was duly recd, I hope Mrs Chap¬
man may recover, when Younger she was a beautiful woman,
& has livd to see Reverses of fortune very striking
much as writers sneer at Mammon there cannot be a More
Comfortless situation than to be in debt, to that circum¬
stance I thoroughly believe is to be attributed the death of
Adams, by the hand of Colt, as well as that of Doctor Park-
man. Bishop Griswold in early life preachd at Harwinton
East Plymouth and Northfield, his whole Salary was $300
per year, he had a family of I/f Children , Most of whom
died of consumption after they had reached Maturity, but
he would never be in debt,* he warns in his letters all Young

•Perhaps some of the 14 might have lived had he borrowed a few cents.

225

[rBSo]

Clergymen against it, advises them to labour as he had done
in the Summer & Keep school in the winter rather than be
in such a state of dependence, says that by labour their con¬
stitutions will be improvd, their lives prolong4, their
Mental as well as Physical powers improvd. He was dis¬
tinguished in Boston among the Great as a Man of Mind
& Science. I hope Mr. P.f if he comes here, Will be a
Man who has some Piety & some talent, it is poor encourage¬
ment to sit under One Who possess Neither. There came
one fellow from East Plymouth to Query me (on Politics)
with a view as I perceivd to publish something to help John¬
son My Opponent. I told him freely that I thought there
was very little difference between those who Managd the
Politics of our Country on either side, that they were the
rough scuff and bobtail of the Country, & as much alike as
rotten Apples. I suppose he will publish something in the
Ld Republican this Week for effect. If he tells truth I shall
be satisfied, for I was as willing to salute the Managing
Whigs with a Salute of a kick on the backside, as My Op¬
ponents.

Affectionately,

H Curtis

March 2. I went to Connecticut and returned March 5.

Monday, March 25. I have just read Shirley with much
pleasure, have commenced reading La Nouvelle Heloise.
Mrs. Chapman, the relict of the late Hon. Asa Chapman
of Connecticut, died yesterday and I have just returned
from her funeral. She was the widow of the gentleman
with whom my father studied his profession, and is about
the last of those persons in Newtown whose names in child¬
hood became familiar to me on account of their being so
often mentioned by my parents.

I am now lodging at Julien Hotel, a quiet French Es¬
tablishment, and arranged upon the European plan. But
I breakfast and dine in the lower part of the city. This

fThe clergyman.

226

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b :nmi if ui avrr 1 i> •{i; ..;3p.3v Laib , urai Joanne \o

■

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arrangement brings me nearer to Miss Scovill, with whom
I believe I am having a serious flirtation.

Thursday, Dec 12. 1850. Thanksgiving Day. I have
now opened a new volume in my book of life. • I live no
longer for myself alone. My word, my honor, all that is
sacred and binding to me as a man and a gentleman, yes,
and as a Christian, last night were pledged to a young, fair
girl, lovely in soul and person, that at God’s altar I would
make her mine, for better or for worse, and her vows to
share my lot and portion in this world were tremblingly
uttered, and henceforth I have a companion at the solitary
hearthstone of my heart. Deus volens.

I have but little to offer but myself, and told her so,
but with the confiding trustfulness of her generous woman’s
heart, she never thought of giving that a care. On this
day of general Thanksgiving I thank Thee, my Heavenly
Father, for many blessings, but above all I thank Thee for
the pure, generous, devout young heart that in thy Provi¬
dence has become mine. May its every pulsation be happy,
and for long years may I feel it beat against my own, and
may all the blessings promised in this life, and in the world
to come to the good and virtuous be our lot, granting us
Thy sustaining Grace to be deserving thereof.*

I hope the next Thanksgiving Day will find me
a married man, enjoying the comforts of home and fireside,
and that I shall thus quietly and pleasantly pass the merid¬
ian and close of life. I shall now consecrate my time and
energies to put myself in a position to accomplish that
object.

*From reading my father’s and mother’s letters, they really seemed to be in
love up to the day of my father’s death.

They met at the house of General Thomas Davies while my mother was
spending the winter with his brother Judge Henry E. Davies at 33 Clinton Place.

She had a beautiful voice of such range that she sang all of Jenny Lind’s
songs with ease and when I was a child I remember meeting an old gentleman
who described how lovely she looked while singing and playing the guitar when
she was seventeen.

She had been educated at the Emma Willard School in Troy and told how
the attic was filled with casts of the great Emma’s feet, which had been modelled
while on the famous trip to Europe when she wrote “Rocked in the Cradle of
the Deep.”

227

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... ._r (,»> i'uHi 1 (tn uiS»« “

.HKJb XO »d3 01 q* ’

[iSjO and 1 8 SI ]

Monday, Dec. 23. I am far in arrears with my busi¬
ness, but I do not let it trouble me. I devote almost every
evening to the society of the lady who promises me before
another Christmas to be my own.

New Year's, 1851.

I made about fifty calls on my friends, riding about
rapidly, dined at 6 p.m. and passed the evening at the side
of Miss Scoville. I drank little or no wine.

Jan. 26. Sunday. I have read nothing this week aside
from law, and done nothing except suffer with a severe
cold, attend to business, and go out every evening to parties.
My devotion to the latter business is rapidly escaping.
Thursday evening I was at a small, but very delightful
party at the house of the late Attorney General, Mr. Jor¬
dan. Mr. Washington Irving had accepted an invitation,
and was expected, but I was disappointed in not meeting
him. N. P. Willis, Mr. James the novelist,* Mr. Van
Beuren, Judges Betts, Campbell, Vanderpoel, Sanford and
the venerable old Chief Justice Jones were present, and
numbers of brilliant and talented gentlemen and ladies.
The party was small, about 123 present. Mr. Willis had
rather the appearance of the exquisite gentlemen of taste
and leisure. His face indicates a close approximation to
forty, and his hair waves in natural light brown curls over
his forehead, but his conversation and address, etc. are all
indicative of the simple, wellbred gentleman. Time, and
care have changed his features very much from the hand¬
some young man that he appears to be in his engravings.
His eyes and nose are not handsome, the former blue and
small.

Mr. James is a stout-built, healthy Englishman a few
years older than Willis, but with a far better lease of life.
Plis fresh florid face, with heavy, frosted mustache, and im¬
perial, wearing the look of one of the men at arms, or soli¬
tary horsemen, that he is so fond of portraying. Pie con¬
verses well, and is evidently conversant with elegant society.

*G. P. R. James.

228

‘

.llcma

William Edmond Curtis

0^5/]

Prince John was the lion of the evening, with wit, genius,
gallantry, and as splendid a form and head as that of Saul
and towering far above six feet men, or rather dwarfs in
comparison like myself, he shone the favorite of women, and
envied by the men.

Chief Justice Jones 84 or 85 years of age, with a clear
head and bright eye walked the rooms, the centre of a group
of professional men, and younger judges, who turn to him
as an oracle. Night after night he goes to these parties,
takes a Friar Tuck quantum sufficit of wine and eatables,
etc. and humiliates young men like myself who are weak
enough on half of his ration to complain of disagreeable
feelings next day.

But I was a looker-on in Venice, save when the bright
eyes of my charming M. A. lured me to her side. But these
are the last days of my dissipation; henceforth, and now
“ Onward ” and the motto of my arms “ Sapere Aude ”
rings in my ears.

Sunday, Feb. 2, 1851. The weather has for the last
three days been intensely cold, and today it has moderated
into a violent snow storm. I have attended some parties,
and declined others, my professional occupations not per¬
mitting me to waste any energies in dissipation, when the
interests of my clients demand every exertion, and every
moment of time in their behalf. Sunday comes a blessed
day of rest and comfort. Would to Heaven this world was
one Eternal Sabbath!

Sunday, March 2. Blessed Sunday. Toil during the
week days, and a chat every morning with my dear, darling
Mary. God bless her and protect her. I am not good
enough, devout enough, forbearing enough for so young
and. fair a flower, but I will try to make her life pleasant.
Who can read the future days?

Thursday, March 1851. We are in the midst of paint
and confusion at the office, and many disagreeable things
incident to repairs. Business rules and absorbs every energy

229

of mind and body, and I look back at the fast receding
months in absolute dismay at the want of progress on my
part in reading and literary pursuits. I am becoming lost
in the devotion to business, and must endeavor to make an
escape, for at least an hour or two every day. But soon I
trust to have a home where I can pass many hours profit¬
ably that are now lost in the vortex of a bachelor’s cares
and pleasure. Money and professional success do not con¬
stitute the great objects of human career and earthly avenir,
but are the instruments that must be to some extent secured,
to ensure ultimate success. Health and hope, and present
success sustain me when I feel low-spirited, and every force
of body and soul prostrated.

Saturday, March 22. Tout va bien. I am doing well,
and today I find myself in good spirits.

Tuesday, April 1. I have worked harder during the
past month and received more money than I have during
any previous month of my professional career. I have
been intensely mortified by the loss of several causes. Even
pecuniary success is a poor alleviation to the pain produced
by my sensitiveness on these points. I have run along regu¬
larly most of the common phases of a common-place exist¬
ence. My marriage yet remains to be looked forward to,
but the daily nearer approach to that event already half un-
ables me to realize it. But Alas! My hair is turning grey
and I feel that the buoyancy of my youth is gradually sub¬
merging under the tide of many, many cares, and my un¬
fortunate deficiency of all power to drive cares away.

Monday, April 21. Miss Scoville has been in the coun¬
try for the week past, and I am desole as a Frenchman would
say; so accustomed had I become to her society every eve¬
ning that I have been almost at a loss to know what to do
with myself. I have recently read the novel “ Mount Hope ”
of my friend Hollister, The New Neva, and am now read¬
ing the Blouse of Seven Gables. I have been also hard at

230

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ob ol Jsrlw wood 0} 88ol s K J*omIfc overi tfid) §n n

work, and now the rain having fallen for several days stead¬
ily, I am almost worn out.

Thursday, May i, 1851. April 26 I went to Connecticut.
On the 29th I officiated as groomsman at the marriage of
Miss Alathea Scoville, and Mary Ann, her sister, was the
bridesmaid. The whole affair passed pleasantly and hap¬
pily, and I returned with the happy pair to New York. In
September I must figure as principal in a similar transac¬
tion. When I stood before the altar in the presence of 700
persons, I began to realize its proximity.

Friday, May 23, 1831. Last Saturday I went to Water-
bury. Sunday I passed at home, on Monday I called for
dear Mary, and drove her to Watertown and introduced her
to my father and mother. We dined there, and after dinner
the ladies and myself strolled through the fields, gathered
wild flowers, and then we returned to Waterbury. The
next evening I returned to New York.

Wednesday, June n. I returned Monday evening from
Waterbury where I went Friday p. m. The weather was
stormy and chilling, but the presence of my dear little Mary
made the visit delightful.

Monday, June 16. I have been passing Sunday at
Greenbank, near Elizabethtown, N. J., the seat of Henry
E. Davies, Esq. Yesterday was one of those delightful June
days that are made doubly attractive by being enjoyed in the
fresh air and delicious shade of the country. J'espere vous
voir demain soir , Chere petite Marie.

Friday, June 20. The temperature of the air has been
cool and delightful thus far most of the month of June.
Last night I heard the opera of La Favorita sung at Castle
Garden. Miss Scoville was there with me. I was delighted
with the music et tout. Elle est allee ce matin a Connecti¬
cut avec son pere.*

June 28th. The time seems now to be near at hand when
I enter upon one of the great relations of life, and I should

*My mother said that between the acts they walked in an open loggia over¬
looking the moon-lit bay.

23I

' : ' '

’

toil to prepare all things for the tranquil enjoyment of
that new wine of life, that glitters so fair and bright in the
distance.

Wednesday, July 8. 2 p. m. I have just returned from
Waterbury where I have passed a week delightfully, and
now to the oar in earnest.

Wednesday, Aug. 20. I feel weary and worn out with
cares and sleeplessness. I have among others, that of find¬
ing a boarding house for my future residence, a mode of
living I utterly detest. I have sought in vain for something
tolerable but have not yet found it. The days of my bach¬
elorship are drawing to a close.

Aug. 26, 1851. Tuesday. I last evening returned from
Waterbury with Mr. Scoville, where I had been very pleas¬
antly passing Sunday. The next visit and I shall return with
the dear wife of my heart, and not alone as I have hereto¬
fore done shall I wander on through this journey of life.
One week from this time, and I shall have arrived at the
hour which, last December seemed so lost in the future, that
I could not realize that it would ever arrive. The invita¬
tions are all out, and I have made most if not all of the usual
preparations for decently interring my bachelor-hood. These
are the last days of my liberty which I am impatient to see
hasten away, so anxious am I to wear the silken fetters.

Saturday, Aug. 30. This afternoon I leave for Con¬
necticut. Tuesday I am to be married. This is the last
day I pass in New York before I enter the new and sacred
relation of life, to which I approach as one of the great turn¬
ing points in my existence. I looked forward to college life,
from that to admission to the bar, and now absorbed and
wearied in the cares and duties of my profession, I look to
this new existence, over which the last morning star of my
life is dawning, the last in the horizon of youth, with cheer¬
ful remembrance of the sad and pleasant past. I take for
my partner, one who is amiable, devout, and who loves me,
and whom I love with all the deep affection and impulse

232

Wsn

of my nature. I trust to find her a solace and a blessing, to
be hallowed by her better influences, to be made a holier
man, and happier man, yet with it, I anticipate additional
cares and griefs. God bless the sequel to me and mine. And
here I must erect the gravestone of that single existence that
has heretofore been mine.

Wednesday, Sept io. On Saturday, the 30th I went to
Waterbury. On Sunday morning I went to Watertown,
from whence on Monday I returned to Waterbury. On
Monday evening and Tuesday several of my friends and
relatives arrived in Waterbury, and that evening in St.
John’s Church by the Rev. J. L. Clarke I was united in
marriage to Mary A. Scovill, daughter of Wm. H. Scovill,
Esq. The Church was filled to suffocation, and after the
ceremony the house of Mr. Scovill was filled by the numer¬
ous guests bidden to come to the wedding. The affair passed
off finely. Dark clouds and a heavy rain gave place to a
beautiful evening as the hour of the wedding approached.
Charles R. Chapman, Henry J. Scudder and Thomas Pow¬
ers, Esquires, were my respective groomsmen. Wednes¬
day we went to Springfield, Mass., and on Thursday to Bos¬
ton. On Saturday we arrived at Portland, and leaving there
on Monday arrived in New York via Stonington at 6 a. m.
this morning. And now I am again as of old once more busy
at the law, not for myself alone but also toiling for one dear¬
er than myself. Fatigue weighs heavy today, and I must close
my book and hope soon to close my eyes in the sleep which
the steam-whistle and confusion of the steamer last night
prevented me from doing. I wrote for my journal the day
I was married the following, which I now insert as a trace
of my feelings and emotions at that time:

12 M. Sept. 2, 1831. It is noon and raining fast. To¬
night I am to be married. The groomsmen are here
and talking downstairs. The bridesmaids are here
with their rich toilettes , which the rain will prevent
them perhaps from wearing to Church. If it rains we

233

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[/tfJJ]

are to be married in the house. The event is at hand,
the long expected, the long hoped for, that from child¬
hood has been visible at the extremity of the perspective
of life. How many thoughts friends, feelings, and pas¬
sions have ripened since the dream of a wife, and a fair
girl passed across my child-hood brain. And since that
vision melted from my eyes, how strange and varied
has been the experience that men designate life and
time and years. I have lived years in weeks. This is
a day to be remembered in the calendar of mv existence.
I make solemn vows, God enable me to keep them l
This is the last entry in the Book of My Solitary Exist¬
ence.

(Note by E. C.)

The wedding was in the Church recently built upon the
site of the one in which the Rev. James Scovil, my mother’s
great grandfather, preached. The reception which followed
the ceremony was in the white colonial house at the end of
the green. The candle light and polished floors, the full
skirts of the women, their low cut bodices with berthas and
hanging curls, must have made a charming picture. My
mother’s wedding gown was white figured silk and my
father’s waistcoat and stock were of similar material. In the
trunk containing her trousseau is a changeable yellow taf¬
feta, with which she wore a cerise camellia over each ear
and for an extra wrap, a Chinese shawl brought on a sailing
vessel as a wedding present. The bridesmaids were Louisa
Davies, afterwards Mrs. Henry J. Scudder, Augusta Smith,
the niece of my grandfather’s second wife who married Mr.
George Bliss of New York and Miss Martha Kendrick of
Waterbury. My mother’s sister Ruth Alathea had been
married a short time before to Mr. Frederick J. Kings¬
bury. On their wedding journey to Boston and the White
Mountains they were thrilled at meeting Daniel Webster
and their letters are as happy and carefree as those of any
bride and groom today. The year after their marriage

234

.(jsiTsifetn i i.iin \i \o M3 r ioota bna lEOotaisY/ e'lariui

liSsn

Grandfather Scovill* bought and furnished for my mother
the house at 98, or according to a later numbering 209, East
15th Street, where most of the children were born. My
mother had all the inspiration, sense of beauty and tempera¬
ment, but sacrificed everything to her husband and babies
and gave up singing shortly after her marriage. AW of her
letters and journals are full of notes about flannels, clothes,
toys, books, etc. for all of us. She wrote to each of the ab¬
sent boys once a day; and Will, her first baby, after he grew
up, wrote to her just as often to the end of her life. She
records that when he was five years old he was asked if he
wanted to go somewhere with his father and he answered
“ I want to stay with my darling little mama ” — and now
he is buried there beside her, at Watertown —

Letter from Holbrook Curtis

Watertown Sabbath morning Septr 7th/ 5 1
My dear Children

I hardly know in what terms or language to commence
my address, Whether to say My dear Children or Dr Wm 6c
Mary Ann, but no language can be stronger than my feel¬
ings, & no solicitude greater than that I feel for Your Ma¬
terial happiness health 6c enjoyment.

I suppose, you Wm, Will be rather constantly at Yr of¬
fice. Where you cannot Well take Mary Ann, so she Must
when she has No Calls to make or take, write, play the Pi¬
ano, 6c do all other pleasant things, At all events contrive
to prevent time from passing heavily. Maria is yet with
us, I believe Mrs McLean remain13 a day or two at Water-
bury 6c Went to Hartford, she calld here with her Mother
I understood on Wednesday after I had gone to Litchfield
but made no long stay. Mr Chapman has been very con¬
stantly at Litchfield, I return in the Morning

Affectionately

H. Curtis

*My grandfather Scovill and his brother James founded the Scovill Manufacturing
Co. in VVaterbtiry in 1810. a brass mill which during the late war was the only concern to
produce material for the U. S. Gov. 100 per cent perfect.

235

[iS5i]

Postscript by Elizabeth Curtis

We had a delightful ride after the wedding, all of us
in excellent spirits. I have been better than usual since. Dr.
Berry gave us two sermons. Mr. Reid read service. Mrs.
Reid leaves tomorrow for New Haven. When shall you
come here? Maria is staying with me. Mrs. Tomlinson
left Friday morning. Wm. Armitage reminded me of his
Father, who spent some years in Col. Starr’s family. I
should like to become acquainted with him, his Mother was
a very lovely Woman. He said Ellen was soon to be mar¬
ried to a Gentleman from Kingston, thought she would do
well. It is not probable I shall ever again see so many of
our friends together. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, Mrs. Tom¬
linson & Wm. Booth were at my Wedding. Wm. however
was not old enough to congratulate us. Miss Kendrick, and
the other ladies, were quite charming. I can sympathize
with Mary Ann in her leave-taking of her former friends,
although it is so long since, those with whom we com¬
menced the journey of life can never be forgotten. New
acquaintances like flowers will be springing up before you,
some perhaps quite as evanescent, but it will be a long time
before they will fill the place of those you have left.

May the choicest of Heaven's blessings rest on you both,
is the wish of your affectionate Mother

E. Curtis

It would give us pleasure to receive a line from either
•of you.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 1851. I am a married man and happy
as such. What more can I add more expressive? True it
adds to my cares, and anxieties for the present and future
are increased, but with these come greater incentives to ac¬
tion. I hope to be a better and an abler man. I have led
rather a leisurely life. Next week I shall commence work
in good earnest.

236

■

•C li no! s v.d iv )i t i n -miva a. a)iup :qj amo?

■

Mary Ann Scovill

• ~*r\ •H.'-'u*

Monday, Sept. 29, 1851. I am twenty-eight years of
age today. Since the last anniversary I have assumed the
grave obligations of a husband and I trust that I have now
buffeted the storms and the surges of youth, and that I shall
henceforth safely in port, ride out tranquilly the remainder
of life. I have to record besides my marriage, that I have
toiled almost unremittingly at my profession the past year,
and that I have secured I hope to myself, by the investment
of my past labors, a modest income, which I shall endeavor
to fortify and augment so as to secure a better provision for
myself and mine than the precarious one of my profession.

Excerpt from letter of H. Curtis.

Wm has been so long abroad & so seldom at home, that our
Watertown folks have very little knowledge of him, but I
have No doubt but, if I were living there Myself, that some
of our Worthies with whom I have had very little intimacy,
would come down to see the Lions,* & quarter themselves
upon us, to save their fare, unless they could find gratui¬
tous keeping otherwhere. We are very prudent people here,
who are very apt to call on friends where We can save or
make something by it.

I71 olden time hospitality was a very different thing from
what it is with Moderns. I recollect the troops who usd
to gather together at Thanksgiving & Christmas, Relatives,
those who had been Domestics, & last of all the Negroes,
for whose Society in the Cellar Kitchen when a Child I
had a strong penchant, on such occasions were all seen at
the Old Mansion House, full fed, happy, dance, sing &
fiddle.

One of my grandfathers was a Whig (Holbrook), & the
other a Tory (Curtis), the Whig deserted the Church, went
to Congregationalism, & denouncd British Manufactures.
We ate on Pewter plates. The negroes in the Cellar Kitch¬
en Were in point of law Slaves, but they seemd to My Child-

*“ Lions ” is used all through this as we would use “ sights.”

237

{IS 5 I]

ish imagination the best, freest 6c most happy of beings, &
to do them justice they Were the last of my old Childish
Relatives who deserted me, As they usd to call occasionally
up to 20 Years ago, 6c I still retain rather a regard for them,
which I can not transfer to the Irish. My old Grandfather
never adopted with his Change of Religion (he left the
Episcopal Church at the Revolution) the ascetic Manners
of his sect, but always enjoyd the happiness of others Wheth¬
er High or Low, Rich or Poor, White or Black; It seems to
me the old hospitality of the Country is gone, or else I have
grown old 6c have outlivd it.

Have Yr people Come home yet? I wish to send some
Articles We have of theirs. Come 6c see us if You Can 6c
spend some time with us When you Come. I suppose Wm
does not like to be absent but by 6c by You Can endure sep¬
aration for a short time. Mother sends love to you both

Affectionately

H Curtis

Postscript

I am sometimes troubled to make stamps stick. I always
put one on, but I have known some instances where they
have Not kept on. I suppose in all the Festivities of Thanks¬
giving, Christmas 6c New Years, You will Come up 6c if
Wm cannot come or stay perhaps he had best give you a
Furlough of a few days. You might perhaps if Well
enough have gone to the Ladies Convention at Worcester,
& made a Speech, they have (some of them) apparently
some Powers of Eloquence, 6c describe very feelingly the
Tyranny to which they have been subjected by the Lords
of Creation, but I doubt on the whole Whether it would
Not be rather a dangerous experiment to mix up Men 6c
Women in the primary Assemblies of the people, Political
Meetings, or juries, in the Legislature 6c congress, 6c
whether it would Not be More honour'1 in the breach then
the observance. It Might be very Safe for Most of the
Ladies Assembled at Worcester, from the account I have

238

. *

* ■

l o 7 li i j U oh < 3 no i i JO 3ud tnoit£3i 0 io

[1851 and l8j2 ]

heard of them, but the general adoption of such habits by
them I should much fear would not be followd by any pub¬
lic benefit.

Affectionately

H C

Journal W. E. C.

Monday, Dec. 29. I have this morning returned from
Connecticut after having made a most delightful visit to
Waterbury and Watertown.

New Year’s, 1852

Made many visits, a charming day. Mrs. C. received
calls in company with Miss Kendrick. I can hardly yet
_ realize that I am no longer a waif and stray upon Life's
ocean.

Jan. 9, 1852. On the 7th, I signed an agreement with
the Hon. Samuel A. Foot, late Chief Justice of the Court
of Appeals, who is about to return to the bar, to conduct
professional business jointly with him. My existing con¬
nexion not to be disturbed, and I am today looking out for
a suite of offices.

Friday, Jan. 30. We have contracted to buy No. 98
East 15th Street for a residence, and tomorrow we are in¬
tending to make a visit over Sunday to Waterbury. Mary
Ann will remain there for a few days.

To Mrs. W. E. Curtis,

% Holbrook Curtis, Esq.,

Watertown, Conn.

Saturday, April 3, 1852.

Dearest Mary,

It is half past ten P. M. and I shall not tarry long at
the inkhorn. I hope and pray that you safely arrived in
Waterbury on Saturday, if you did not manage to reach
there on Friday night, which I endeavor to believe you did,
considering the favorable auspices under which you corn-

239

[1852]

menced your journey. I saw Mr. Lane as I was leaving the
depot, the car in which you were seated had moved off,
and I told him briefly where you were, and to keep a look
out for you, which he promised to do.

Mr. Waterman and myself finished Mr. Pickwick’s trial
last night. Your Uncle Plenry called with the three boys, —
Willy amused himself reading and the two elder refreshed
themselves with a little of Tivoli on the Piano, bye the bye,
a very convenient use to put the board, and though I felt
apprehensive it might scratch the piano top some, I did not
like to interfere with juvenile pursuits. This is written with
the intention of bringing you back to look after the chattel,
but I had not the hardness of heart to leave you with the
supposition that the piano had fifteen or twenty large
scratches upon it, and so I gave the explanation.

Today I have pulled as usual at the oar, and having done
my duty to men, women and children in the course of it,
and having eaten one of kind natures solid restoring dinners,
I betook myself to your Uncle Thomas’. I found he had
just returned from Albany, half sick, having been anchored
on a sand bar for five hours, and eaten steamboat husks for
the balance of the twentv four.

Mr. Foot has drafted a Bill, which embodies his project,
and which, I really think has considerable merit, and with
some amendments I hope it will pass. Your Uncle feels
very confident that it will become a law. xMter playing two
games of Dummy, we being the victors, and your presence
much desired, especially by your dutiful husband, I de¬
camped for these quarters. I wish you were here, my darl¬
ing, but I am doing the next thing to seeing you here, which
is writing to you. I have endeavored two or three times
during the day to seize enough of Old Father Time’s prog¬
ress to write you a few words which though late I know you
will esteem as better than none. So Good night, and God
bless you, and pleasant dreams enchant you. Adieu Petite
femme.

240

■

Jf.fi f'OijUoqqfJ-8

’

[/SJ2]

Sunday A. M. Before Break} astl ! !

Mary* obeys orders admirably, so that I do not feel at
all as Dives did, though the atmosphere is too inviting to
keep me at home this morning. By the enclosed extract from
Friday's Ev. Post, you will see that the Sequel to Thana-
topsis is not written by Mr. Bryant. I thought the Sequel
was too imitative of the original and that Mr. Bryant had
forgotten his wonted modesty in commencing by talking
about himself. Still it is better as an imitation than any
of the Rejected addresses, and worth keeping. Mary has
made her appearance to know if I wanted a fire.

I shall take this down immediately after breakfast to
the P. O. and trust to get a despatch announcing your safe
arrival at the same time. Give my love to Father and.
Mother, and don't “ play at meetin’ ” when you are at
Watertown. I suppose tomorrow will decide the Election
of Mr. Kingsbury. I hope he will succeed. Father used
to be something of a politician, but of late years he has had
so many cares, especially in the Spring of the year, that he
has no leisure to do anything except discover much cor¬
ruption and baseness in old politicians.

Hoping you are well, and with “ oceans ” of love to you
my darling, and showers of kisses, I am yours most affec¬
tionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Wednesday, June 30. I read today that Losee V an Nos¬
trand is dead. An old friend, one of my earliest in Brook¬
lyn, and the last of the types of our ancient Dutch popula¬
tion. I read that Henry Clay died yesterday. It is as if some¬
thing that bound me to the past was forever broken. From
earliest childhood his name has been ever present in the
public journals and Congressional Debates, and 1 have
grown up and matured, hearing his name daily on men’s
lips. Eloquent, patriotic, generous, brave to chivalry, the

*The servant.

24I

[IS 52]

the best loved man in the country, he has fallen on the field
of his fame in the shadow of the Capitol, where his genius
and his influence have so often served , if not saved our
Union.

- July 3rd. Saturday, 4 1/2 p. m. The funeral cortege,
with the corpse of Henry Clay has just passed under my
office windows. I recognized the same uniforms that I
saw on the troops that welcomed him to New York by this
same route when he came here living; then I did not see
him.

Saturday, July 10. I have passed most of this week in
attendance at Newburgh, at the general term of the Su¬
preme Court. Mr. Benjamin F. Butler was my opponent,
who argued the cause in a very strong and ingenious man¬
ner, with what effect yet remains to be determined, for the
Judges took the papers. When I heard Mr. Butler lecture
upon the Constitution of the United States when I was in
college, a notice of which I think was then made in this
journal, I had an idea that I should some day suffer from
him and I believe he has won the cause.

To Mrs. Wm. E. Curtis,

% Wm. H. Scovill, Esq.,

Waterbury, Conn.

Saturday A. M., July 24, 1852.

I send you dearest Molly my daily buletin of the state of
matters here. I have received your note of yesterday and
am glad to find you are convalescing. The weather has
been very hot, but I waked up last night quite cool for the
first time since my return. A sudden change of air has
wrought a most remarkable variance in the temperature of
the room.

I am now at the office, and very much regret that I can¬
not come up to Waterbury this afternoon, as I may be
obliged any moment by a telegraphic despatch to leave for
Buffalo.

242

orii lol ioo3 33iup jrfgrn <,u bsofcw • tud ,lorl (iov nood

[1852 and 1853]

I send Mr. K. a paper with a complimentary notice of
Waterbury modes of doing business, under the police head.

Last evening I went out for a walk, strolled down as far
as Miss Vanderworts steps where the people were out cool¬
ing in the evening breeze. I believe you are kept well post¬
ed up, my dear, in all my doings. I hope to meet you soon.
Give my love to Alla and Mr. K. and tell them I regret my
inability to greet them in person tonight.

Everybody is out of town, and I should find it very dull,
if I were not kept very busy. I miss you exceedingly, my
darling, but think you will be better off in the country than
here. If you go up to Watertown next week, I am afraid
you will be obliged to go without me. Hoping you are
well and enjoying yourself, I am most affectionately yours,

Wm. E. Curtis.

August, 1852. Mr . Butler did not win the cause .

Tuesday, Nov. 2. I have this morning deposited my
vote for Franklin Pierce for President and for the Demo¬
cratic ticket. Very little interest appears to be felt in the
Election generally, and I think that General Scott will be
defeated. My garden is as yet untouched by frost and
winter has not as yet made its appearance.

Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1852. I passed this
anniversary at Watertown.

Christmas 1852. On the 24th, I accompanied Mrs. C.
to Waterbury from whence I returned on the 27th. We
passed a pleasant and most agreeable Christmas.

New Year’s 1853. This day I passed very pleasantly
at Cerro Gordo, the country seat of Prof. C. Davies. This
is the first New Year’s in New York that I have not made
calls, but I required and preferred a little more recreation.

243

• r -i. * • ■ > r v/ ^ ■

3 )r.m loo ov£il I )£rli jiioY 7/3 .-1 ni ■ i£3 t n^A. H"ft ‘>i!t <\

I \1853]

March 29th 1853.

To William E. Curtis Esq —

106 Broadway

Waterbury,
Monday Evening.

My dearest Husband,

I sent you a letter this morning which I suppose will
quietly rest down town in the Post Office tonight, and be
fresh for your perusal tomorrow morning when you send
for it. Mr. K. goes tomorrow morning and I cannot re¬
sist the temptation of writing a few words to my dearest.
How are you getting on without me? You see I consider
myself a very important personage. I know you will enjoy
having Mr. Kingsbury there with you, but am rather afraid
to trust two such wild chaps so long alone together. Will
you not come up with him Saturday? If not, send some
bannas in your place, just some sweets to console me. Alla
I find as crazy on the subject of fruit as I am. We have
already devoured a dozen of oranges and Mr. K. has
brought us a dozen more. You know I always grow fat on
fruit.

Tell Ann where to have the grape vines and trees put
out, as Father says it is so warm he thinks they will come
this week. I hope you will remember to give Ann the other
five dollars.

I did not get a letter tonight but shall hope for one to¬
morrow. I have been rather conjuring that you must be
sick, but you promised to send to me if you were, and you
always keep your word.

Good night my dearest love. Dream of me. I do of
you. God bless you, my own.

Your loving wife,

M. A. Curtis.

Thanksgiving Day. Thursday, November 24, 1853. I
passed this occasion with Mrs. C. at the residence of her

244

I . •' ;

jiiv* anivol nuo V

[1853 and i854~]

Uncle, T. A. Davies.* The frost this day for the first time
cut down all the green leaves of my little garden.

Christmas 1853. Was passed most delightfully at Rose
Hill. For many years I have not spent a more agreeable
day. The next day I tried skating and found that ten years’
disuse of skates had not impaired my tastes or capacity for
the amusement.

New-Year’s, 1834. I was *n New York, and made sev¬
eral calls, and returned home, cold and weary, and so com¬
menced the New Year. 1853 forever numbered with the
past has been a monotonous, prosperous, quiet year with
me, and gone with few land marks to record its progress.

Wednesday, April 12, 1854. The events of the past few
days will remain for a long time impressed on my memory.
On Monday the 27th, Mr. Wm. H. Scovill died at Charles¬
ton, S. C. On the 31st, I received the intelligence, and the
next day his remains reached this City on their way to
Waterbury, where they were interred on the 4th inst. amidst
a vast collection of mourning kindred, friends and neigh¬
bors.

My saddest office was, the communication of this afflict¬
ing intelligence to Mrs. Curtis. No daughter ever loved
a Father with more devoted affection, and none ever met
with a greater loss than she does, in being thus bereaved of
a parent, whose kindness of heart, benevolence, and true
Christian life endeared him to all who knew him. He died
at peace with all men, and welcoming death as the mes¬
senger about to unite him to a mother, wife, and dear chil¬
dren, from whom he had long been separated.

Mrs. Curtis has been overwhelmed by the weight of her
calamity, which her situation renders doubly unfortunate,
and is now confined to her bed, but I trust will recover with¬
out any ill effect —

*1 think he lived on Broadway. The last years of his life he owned 610
Fifth Avenue and his death at a great age was caused by seeing people jump from
the windows of the burning Windsor Hotel.

245

• • • ■ •• -■ ■ ■

•<* ia

1' 85 A

Friday, June 2. Have just been passing a couple of
hours with my old friend Sanford, and anticipate much
pleasure in his society, if he remains in the United States.
Being now the possessor of a horse and buggy I take morn¬
ing drives and rides, and am improving in health, and am
able to spend time enough to occasionally get little glimpses
of the country verdure.

While at Waterbury, I went to Harwinton to visit my
old yellow nurse, Lovycy. I found her very old and im¬
mensely fat, and so enfeebled by the rheumatism, as not
to be able to leave the house where she lived with her
brother Chauncey. Many years have gone by since the old
woman had seen me, and she could not recall in the mature
man who stood before her, any resemblance to the sickly
boy that in childhood had been so tenderly attached to her.
When I told her who I was, she was delighted to have
seen me, saying that she often wondered if she should ever
see me, but of late years had given up the hope.

When I saw her so poor and infirm, and so changed, I
could hardly control my feelings, and when at the close of
the interview I left her, I was consoled for many a hard
day's work, by feeling that by it I was enabled to contribute
something to her comfort in the closing years of life, and
which she seemed reluctant to accept.

We drove Charley down to New Haven, and passed
the night at Mr. William Smith’s from there we drove to
Stamford and passed Sunday, and Monday night arrived
in New York.

Friday, September 29th. 1854. Thirty-one years of

age. Time is hurrying me over life’s turnpike. Occasion¬
ally I hear some person of more observation than polite¬
ness say “You are getting bald, Mr. Curtis.” and even the
French barber essays to sell me her wonder-working hair
tonics, by delicate intimations that “ les cheveaux de Mon¬
sieur commence a tomber .”

246

sdi navo bnji .ainuO .iM fb!i;d dtk voY >l zzm

[1 8 54 and 1835]

November 30. 1854. Thanksgiving. Drove out with

Mrs. Curtis. Attended St. George’s Church. Dined at
Mr. Scudders. Mrs. C. dined at her Aunt’s.

Christmas. Passed at home. Wrote some at my lecture,
and rode out in warm sunshine a c.heval at 3 p. m. Mr. and
Airs. T. A. Davies dined with us.

Wednesday, June 13, 1855. On the 2d inst. I found
myself the father of a son, and am happy that both wife and
child are now rapidly improving in health and strength.*
I am engrossed, in fact abandoned so fully to my profes¬
sional occupations that I have no time for any other mat¬
ters save legal.

To Mrs. W. E. Curtis,

% F. J. Kingsbury, Esq., Waterbury.

No. 106 Broadway, New York,

Sep. 6/55.

Cara Sposa,

No letter today. I found quite to my surprise last eve¬
ning that your Aunt Maria had returned. Mr. Randolph
called after dinner, and asked me if I had any engagement
in the evening, and I made known to him my orders from
you to call at a vacant house as I supposed. He left and
down Broadway I went, and found your Uncle, Aunt and
happy Miss Vail with Mr. Aloore whom your Uncle says
she is to marry, all occupied in eating a cold lobster salad.
Much love and many inquiries were touched upon in con¬
nection with you and the baby. Miss Vail looked thin and
light hearted, and Air. Moore my successor saving Father
Hooker, to the attributes of the mansion, appeared like a
genuine Long Islander, who reads Burns, quotes Pickwick,
and catches trout Sunday and week days. “ A very excel¬
lent match,” said your Uncle Thos. “ He lives in the City
and his father is old.” Somebody “ who does business ”
somewhere “ and is rich.”

•William Edmond Curtis.

247

'■ ' 1 ' ■ :

ri. f I v . - lomo'juz ytooh . M bn- tD3lis$rt

[1855 and 1856']

From there I went to the Club, heard Mr. Verplank
discuss Rachel, and Howard Wainwright told us about the
music, scenery, and poetry of his new Opera, Rip Van
Winkle, the first of American Operas which has been three
months in rehearsal, and comes out next week. The scen¬
ery embraces the views and cascades of the Catskills with
clouds rolling about the distant mountains which melt away
before the rising sun. Miss Pyne sings as prima donna.

Ann tells me, Mrs. Johns called to see you yesterday,
looked very thin and pale and was helped up and down the
steps to the carriage. If I knew where she was I would
go and see her. When you write give my regrets, she left
no address on her card. I have sent to Mr. Peck's store to
inquire.

Tonight I shall go to hear Rachel in Adrienne Le Couv-
reure. I have a copy of the play in French and English,
and will furnish you with it at the first opportunity if I
find it worth the reading.

• I am very well, and very busy. Nothing else specially
worth noticing. I feel anxious about the baby as you say
nothing about how he is in your last and do not write after¬
ward.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Christmas, 1855. On the 21st my Father was attacked
with apoplexy and I hastened to Watertown where I found
him in an alarming condition, and I passed this day in at¬
tending upon him.

New Year’s, 1856. I availed myself of this day to again
be at the bedside of my good Father who is slowly convalesc¬
ing from a calamity more fearful than death.

248

ml i .nu« i nieit DrI) ‘noted

US 56]

(From Mrs. Holbrook Curtis when my brother Wil¬
liam was a year old).

Watertown, March 20th, 1856.

My Dear Mary Ann:

Your letter was received and perused with pleasure for
which I thank you. We are much more comfortable at

present than I had anticipated . I would

not exchange darling Willy for any other baby. No! not
even with the Bishop. We are waiting for warm weather
to arrive that we may again behold the lad, and return his
little kiss with interest, please write often and let us know
all about him.

Services daily in the church this week. Dr. Holcomb
preached last evening. Please remember me to Miss Hayt.
Much love to William, and a good share taken out for your¬
self and Willy.

Your affectionate Mother,

E. C.

Thursday, May 1st, 1856. My poor Father still remains
sadly afflicted, and I make frequent and mournful pilgrim¬
ages to Watertown. My health is excellent, and I am work¬
ing at the top of my speed. I pass many of my evenings
very agreeably at the Century Club, and these reunions con¬
stitute pretty much all the social recreation in which I in¬
dulge. My income has increased during the past year, and
so have my expenses.

My expenditures during the past year have been . .$5024.93

Cash received from professional dues . 8035.20

Cash received from rents, int. dividends, etc. .... 1020.00

Wednesda}", May 14th. It is just ten years today, since
I went through the solemn ordeal of Examination for ad¬
mission to the Old Supreme Court of this State, and I yet
recall the feeling of pleasure, hope, and buoyancy with
which I emerged at 9 P. M. from the rear door of the City
Hall entitled to be called to the bar for which I had as it
then seemed to me been so long studying. My hopes of pro-

249

dmooloH .iG .ahaw airto ibiurb orto ni /(Hub wdiv'id 3

oi . *>13 ,abn3bivib .ini .slnsi men} bsvbooi risfiO

fessional success have been more than realized, and as I
survey the past ten years, which have slowly gone off the
calendar of my life, I cannot but be grateful to the Provi¬
dential Pland that has guided me so pleasantly and success¬
fully thus far on the journey of life. Where shall I be, and
what shall I say when another ten years are recorded as
among the past?

Thursday, May 29. The air today is charming and
beautiful; a week ago today I attended the dinner given
by some gentlemen of the Century Club to Doctor Cogs¬
well of the Astor Library. It was a most agreeable reunion,
and capital speeches were made by Mr. Verplanck, Messrs.
Cogswell, Bancroft, Higbee, Evarts, Van Winkle, and Mr.
C. Bryant. Dr. Cogswell said that in 1836, old Mr. Astor
sent for him and said he wished to give to the City of New
York some expression of his feelings towards the City where
all his enterprises had prospered. He said he proposed to
devote $350,000 to that purpose, and he thought an equest¬
rian statue of Washington would be most suitable. Dr. C.
dissuaded him by saying that it was a worthy national enter¬
prise, but that for a private citizen a great library would
confer the highest boon upon the City. At Mr. Astor's
request he prepared a plan which was approved by Mr. A.
and “ during the rest of his life it was a subject to which
he frequently recurred, conversing with me,” said Dr. C.
“ under the old trees at Hurlgate sitting in the shade in
after years.”

Sept. 29, 1856. Thirty three years of age today. The
great event to me of the past year is that my Father, to
whom I have always looked for aid, advice, comfort, and
protection, is so stricken down as to be utterly dependent
on me and those around him. May Providence remove this
cloud from the closing years of his life.

Monday, Dec. 15, 1856. Again a Father. Henry
Holbrook Curtis, so named after my deceased brother, was
this day born to us. God be thanked for this and all his
mercies.

250

[1856 and /S57]

*>-*«*-

Monday, Dec. 22. I attended the dinner' of the New
England Society of which together with the New York
Historical Society, Geographical Society, and Tammany
Society, I have recently become a member. Brought home
at 1 A. M. a bouquet for my wife in a most violent Plymouth
Rock snow storm.

During these years my father wrote constantly to his mother and took entire
charge of the household in Watertown — His letters are affectionate and inter¬
esting but space prevents their addition here —

Friday, May 1, 1857. Very few changes have taken
place during the past year. My Father remains in the
same melancholy state. As for health and business I have
done well the last twelve months.

Trip to Richmond

Thursday, May 7th, 1857. Went to Washington, leav¬
ing home at 8 A. M. and arriving at 8 P. M. Passed a
wretched sleepless night at Willard’s Hotel, disgusted with
the filthy and vermin infested condition of the house, and
was happy to find myself on board a steamboat and inhaling
the pure atmosphere of the Potomac at 6 A. M. We passed
Alexandria and Mount Vernon, when we were summoned
to brearkfast, and then until early noon glided along the
pleasing shores of the turbid river, when we arrived at
Acquia Creek.

At this point a change of Latitude was manifest in the
advanced stage of vegetation that surrounded us. All the
trees at Hoboken where I crossed the river the morning be¬
fore, except the willows, were as black and naked as mid¬
winter, but now they wore the pale yellowish green of ex¬
panding foliage. As we left in the cars for Richmond the
progress was more marked, and in the venerable town of
Fredericksburg, the lilac trees were exposing their flowery
beauties.

About the middle of the afternoon we were drawn
closely into the heart of Richmond. I dined at the Ex¬
change Hotel, paid my respects to Judge Haliburton, and
then sauntered through the streets to the State House

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Square. A pleasing monument to Washington is being con¬
structed from an albitic granite as white and as beautiful
as marble, and two bronz statues, one of Jefferson with the
scroll and pen of 1776 and the other of Patrick Henry her¬
alding the coming Revolution, grace the State House steps
at its side. These statues are destined for the monument,
and as I lingered and gazed upon these mute memorials of
the mighty past, the last rays of the setting sun giving life¬
like expression to their dark countenances and colossal
forms, I saw the name of Crawford the sculptor, now dying
the saddest of deaths in a foreign land, and I could not
but think that Genius and Patriotism and Art contend feeb¬
ly against the grave.

Saturday, May 9th. I attended on business matters in
the morning, and visited the State House, which contains
the statue of Washington by Houdon citoyen francciis Ij88.
It differs from the usual representation of the full-faced,
florid complexion that is commonly attributed to Wash¬
ington. The cheekbones are high and the cheeks sunken.
Judge Haliburton informed me that his mother, who was
a niece of Mrs. Washington and for many years an inmate
of Mount Vernon, always pronounced it an admirable like¬
ness. I had the honor of being presented to Governor Wise
at the Executive Chamber. He is a small, pale, wan faced
man with long white hair, looking at one moment as if he
was thirty five and next sixty five, so variable is the expres¬
sion of his countenance, which is lighted up by an eye that
glitters either from a morbid excitement of the brain, or
from a chronic irritation of the nerves. His manner is
simple and polished, but rendered disagreeable by the ex¬
cessive use of tobacco, and his physical system is apparently
debilitated by excessive chewing and spitting. He con¬
verses eloquently, his eye lights up with courage and ex¬
citement, he speaks continuously, no one interrupting or
speaking when the subject interests him, but all are fascin¬
ated into silence. He addressed me upon the resources of

252

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Virginia, became wrapt in the subject, and after listening
for half an hour, I withdrew, leaving him to finish signing
the Land Patents upon which he was engaged when inter¬
rupted by our visit. He spoke contemptuously of Yankees,
and my blood warmed a little as it always does when Irish¬
men and Yankees are slandered.

The State Library struck me as being only a tolerable
collection of books, but the view from the south windows
far beyond Richmond, the James River, and its rich valley
away toward the pine forests of Southern Virginia, was
delightful, and I thought I detected the fragrance of the
distant forest as I stood loitering at the windows inhaling
the delicious southern breeze. In the afternoon I took a
drive with Judge Haliburton, visiting the Eastern Hill
of the city, the ancient little church surrounded by its brick-
walled churchyard and falling tombstones, in which Patrick
Henry breathed forth his memorable defiance to the Crown,
and then we went to the large plain house where Chief
Justice Marshall passed so many years of his great career.
The approach of night found us gathering wild flowers,
and looking down upon the turbid yellow waters of the
falls of the James River, and lounging under the tall oaks
that cluster over the knolls of the Richmond Cemetery.

The next morning I was on my way to Charlottesville,
the seat of the University of Virginia, and near which re¬
pose the ashes of Thomas Jefferson. The first thirty miles
of our road lay through a beautiful, well tilled interval
country, the next forty or fifty passed upon the summit line
between two rivers, a wretched stunted pine, and exhausted
country. In conversation in the cars, I found my neigh¬
bor was the son of Mr. Rives, on a visit to his father who
lives about twenty miles east of Charlottesville, and that
we had many acquaintances in common. He left me at his
father’s estate on the borders of Albemarle County, giving
me a card of introduction to his uncle, Mr. Alexander
Rives of Carlton near Monticello. All the land in Albe-

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marie County was ploughed, no meadows, no pastures, but
capital, arable rich soil it was. I found sorry quarters and
an indifferent dinner at the Hotel, where I arrived about
noon.

After dinner, by the exercise of some patience, and the
expression of some impatience, I succeeded in having a
venerable vehicle; with two good horses and very poor
negro attached driven to the door, all at my service. I
called at Carlton, truly a beautiful residence, on a gentle
hill, the avenue winding up and fringed with trees, and I
received a most hospitable reception from Mr. A. Rives.
He was to leave in the evening on a canvassing excursion
and I declined his pressing invitations to stay in his house.

An ascending drive of two or three miles, part of the
distance through a forest, brought us to a heavy ruinous
brick enclosure, where sleep the remains of Jefferson; a
little up the ascent and we were among the outbuildings
that extend along the estern side of the mansion. Neither
the overseer or the overseer's wife could be found, and no
one of the black faces and wooly heads that peered out and
surveyed us from the negroes’ quarters could tell where
the keys were.

From the house I went to the grave of Jefferson, but
I was not prepared for such a scene of destruction and
vandalism. The inscription upon his monument was
effaced, the monument itself battered and broken, and like
indignities had been offered to the marble slabs which once
marked the grave of his mother and other near relatives.
Barbaric curiosity seems to be the only excuse for these out¬
rages. Gathering two or three wild flowers that had sprung
up amid the wreck, I bade farewell and peace to his ashes,
and returned to the village. From here I went to visit the
University, and was charmed with the beauty of the site,
the extent and character of the buildings, and the air of
order and study that prevails. Physically the students were
inferior to our young men of the North, more delicately

254

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{IS 57]

framed and pale, and attenuated, I think, by the habitual
excessive use of tobacco . In the evening, I attended the
Episcopal Church, and on my way home I heard a part of
a very eloquent sermon delivered by a young man named
Hanson at the Baptist Church. The galleries of the
Churches were crowded with negroes, many of them more
or less whitened.

After a sleepless night tourmente comtne a V ordinaire
par les punaises , I found myself in the cars en route for
Richmond where I arrived at 2 P. M. Abandoning my
intention to visit Norfolk, I prepared to return, and before
doing so I hunted up a cousin Robert S. Edmond, with
whom I had a very agreeable interview, and then in the
midst of a sudden change of temperature, about 48, instead
of the 89 of the day previous, I was flying northward. At
1 A. M. I went on board a steamer at Aquia Creek, threw
myself on a settee, and covered myself with a shawl. I
courted sleep until morning, when again taking the cars I
continued my journey until the setting sun left me entering
my own door in New York.

Wednesday, May 13th. I received by the morning jour¬
nals the sad intelligence of the decease of the learned, ven-
rated Chief Justice Thomas J. Oakley —

Wednesday, July 29th, 1857.

New York.

My Dearest Mother,

I hope you are not suffering any ill effects from your
jaunt, and that you will escape blistering your face and be
all the better for the various perils by flood and field we
encountered.

I feel very uneasy about father, and how you will be
able to get on, and could not close my eyes until day was
dawning this morning.

255

VS 57]

I write to you what the doctors said to me, although it
may not be best to be guided by their advice, I think it
would be better for us to follow it.

Hoping you are well, I am

Yours Affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

P. S. Don’t let any fear of expense or cost deprive you
of providing or doing anything you may feel inclined to,
for I know of no better use of money than to mitigate as far
as it will go the sorrows of sickness.

W. E. C.

I attended Trinity College Commencement, and am in¬
formed that I have the honor to be one of the Trustees, but
I have remained most of the summer in New York, oc¬
casionally driving out to my friend, Mr. Randolph's, at
Bayside to pass a day or night.

Christmas 1857

I am alone in my Library and have been reviewing the
past. My journal, my books, my taste for poetry, the Dra¬
ma, Art and the Beautiful, I fear are almost forgotten in
the all absorbing duties of my profession. Still, I am
cheered with the hope that a day of rest, of pleasing lux¬
urious ease will come, when the tastes and studies of earlier
years will supply renewed fountains of enjoyment.*

A storm of bankruptcy and dismay has for three months
utterly paralyzed the country. The banks have recently,
in this city, resumed the payment of their liabilities in
specie. My income is affected sensibly as that of every
professional man by the absolute inability of clients to pay.

My duties have been recently increased by my being
elected one of the School Commissions of the 1 8th Ward,
under peculiarly flattering circumstances. But my wife
warns me it is time to accompany her to Judge Davies,
where the family are collected for the festivities of a Christ¬
mas evening.

•They never came to any of my family. Holbrook always hoped to have time
to paint, William to travel.

256

New Year’s, 1858

I have made sixty-seven calls, and enjoyed the day very
much. The sun has shone bright and warm, and the at¬
mosphere has been of the temperature of a pleasant April
morning. I drove Charley about rapidly most of the day,
and had made all but three visits when I came home to
dine at seven P.M. Mrs. Curtis has been receiving calls
with Miss Sarah Kingsbury, who has come from Miss
Haynes’ School to pass the holidays. (Afterwards Mrs.
Franklin Carter, whose husband was President of Wil¬
liams College.)

Death of My Father

While I was awaiting the opening of Court, Saturday,
February 20th, at the City Hall, the judge being detained
by the severe snow storm then raging, I received a tele¬
graphic despatch informing me that both my parents were
in a very feeble and failing state. I immediately left by
the train and reached Watertown about 9 P. M. I first
saw my Mother, who was very feeble and exhausted, and
then went to my Father's room. I found him motionless
and breathing with a painful gurgling respiration, unable
to swallow and unconscious except for an instant when, by
speaking to him, I aroused him and he welcomed me with
a faint smile, but he relapsed into languor and drowsiness
and continued in that state.

About eight o’clock, when I was watching alone in the
room with him, I saw that his clear blue eyes became
leaden and fixed, his florid complexion that had remained
through his long illness unchanged, began to assume an
ashen hue, and the efforts for breath were rapid and in¬
effectual. I called in the attendants. The last moment of
his existence had arrived, a short breath, a long pause,
another feeble attempt at respiration, a long interval in
which we waited for another breath, but it came no more,
and my Father that had loved me so long and so tenderly
had ceased to exist.

257

US 58]

May it be my lot to pass away as painlessly and tran¬
quilly as he did, and to have my eyes closed by children who
love and respect me.

He was buried in the new family place of interment
on the Tuesday following, after funeral services at the
Church, where the Reverend Mr. Stone preached a very
appropriate and excellent sermon.

I shall endeavor hereafter to prepare a little sketch of
my Father’s life and character, which may be interesting
to my children at some future day when, it is quite prob¬
able, cut down in harness, I shall have followed him.

May i st, 1858. I have been computing my expenses
and receipts during the past year and find that notwith¬
standing the commercial depression, my professional in¬
come has increased. My professional engagements are
incessant, and I suffer pecuniarily from not having time to

collect and attend to my income from the same. Thank
God I have been blessed with health and strength, and
pray for their continuance.

This is the statement for the past year:

•Expenditures since May 1, 1857 . $6,323.46

Cash received from professional services . IO>396-37

Cash received from interest, dividends, rent, etc.,

net . 3,400.00

Sunday, June 28th. All alone at the house, Mrs. Cur¬
tis and the children are at the old mansion at Watertown.
I am glad my children can play under the same old maples
where we played when children (is it possible?) thirty
years ago.

Note — In 1923 they are still there for his great grand¬
children.

Journey to Chazy Lake and Ogdensburg

Friday, August 13th, 1858. At 3 P. M., I was leaving
New York and its heat, smells and dust to overtake the

258

itarfi idi

[ ISS8 and 1859]

Scudders, who were three days in advance of me, for the
Lakes and Mountains of the Adirondacks. Wm. Allen
Butler, Judge Dean and gradually all the numerous friends
I met in the car tarried at their summer retreats on the
banks of the river, and alone at 11 P. M., I arrived at the
Tory House. Refreshed by a good night’s rest and break¬
fast, I left the next morning by train for Whitehall.

(I omit the remainder, he goes 10 Ogdenburg and sees the Old Davies House.)

Passing the night at Mrs. Ranney’s, I returned the next
day to Plattsburgh, meeting my friend Thomas H. Gal-
laudet and wife at the cars and passing the day very
agreeably.

Saturday, August 21st. At 7 A. M., I took the boat
for Burlington. Meeting Professor Webster on board the
cars, we passed the day agreeably, he leaving at Castleton.
Soon after I entered the Express train at Troy and at 10
P. M., I was at 32nd Street and the gleam of gas lights
and the customary suggestions and imprecations of hack-
men, aroused me from a drowse and announced that I was
in New York.

October nth, 1858. Francis Randolph Curtis, my
third son, was born and so named after my esteemed friend,
Franklin Fitz Randolph of this city.

Visit to Washington

Saturday, January 8th. I left New York covered with
snow in the morning, and arrived at Washington in the
evening, where the grass was green in the public squares.
Sunday morning I went with Henry S. Sanford to church
and strolled about the City. Read Goodrich’s Recollec¬
tions of a Life Time. I found at Willard’s where I stayed,
my kinswoman, the wife of the Honorable Ezra Clark,
M.C., from Connecticut, Senator Foster and his lady,
Honorable Preston King, and many other charming and
agreeable people.

Monday I was at the Senate Chamber and in the Su¬
preme Court. The Senate, how changed from that body

259

U859]

where nine years ago I hung upon the eloquence of Clay,
and where I saw assembled Webster, and Benton, and a
host of others who have gone to their long rest! Called
with Sanford on the Honorable Mr. Dixon and on Mrs.
Dixon. The day was extremely cold for .Washington,
mercury probably ten above zero, but I saw Mr. Cass,
seventy-seven years of age, walking from his residence to
the State Department, in an ordinary dress coat and as un¬
protected, save for a hat, as he would have been in a
drawing room against the inclemency of the day.

Tuesday. Called on Senator Seward and Senator Foote,
Mr. King accompanying me. At i P. M., I drove out with
Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Dixon, and called with them on
Mrs. Goddard, Mrs. Judge Wayne and Campbell, and on
Mrs. Seton, Mrs. Holly and Bridge and others. In the
evening I went with Sanford to the President’s reception.
The President* is a large, portly, fresh, full-faced vigorous
old gentleman, who gave his hand to all who were presented
in a quiet unostentatious way.

Miss Lane, standing in the middle of a semi-circle of
ladies and gentlemen, received in a most graciously and
queenly manner. Her toilette was elegant and she had the
air and bearing of a highly cultured, vigorous, energetic
woman. The fresh cheeks, blue eyes and English look,
showed her to be the niece of the President. (She had the
next house to us in Washington in 1894, a beautiful white
haired woman.)

The rooms filled, the band played, beauty, and uniforms,
the heroes of the Bench and the Senate, fair ladies, brave
men, and German Jew peddlers, all moved along quietly
and at their ease in this democratic assemblage.

Wednesday. I heard General Houston in the Senate
Chamber reply to Mr. Iveson of Georgia, who charged him
with being no representative of the South and as repudiated
by his own state. General Houston was cool and eloquent

♦Buchanan.

260

(.riBmow fcmisrf

v nup gno 6 dvcoi iU (?*3lbb3q ?/3 ^ rifirrmO fens nsm

[/<?59 and i860 ]

in his reply, and told me afterwards that neither at the bar
or in a legislative assemblage had he ever permitted him¬
self to be betrayed into a passion. Called on Mr. Tracey
and Mr. and Mrs. George Taylor.

In the evening I went with Mrs. Clark to a party at
Mr. Sec. Floyd's. This was a brilliant collection, more so
than at the President’s reception. Thursday I visited the
Smithsonian Institute, and the Patent Office and attended
a reception at Mr. — .

November 28th, 1859. My time of office as a School
Commissioner expires with the year. Its duties have oc¬
cupied some of my attention and their discharge has kept
me from being utterly surrendered to the law and its details.
I am a candidate for a renomination, if my friends wish it,
but care nothng further about it. There will be some op¬
position to it, on the ground that I am opposed to with¬
holding the pay of the Catholic principals. I will never
consent to do wrong willingly.

Christmas, 1859

I accompanied Mrs. Curtis and the two eldest boys to
Mrs. Kingsbury’s to pass Christmas. The children were
especially delighted; it was their first visit from home and
the first time they had ever seen the country in winter. As
we approached within ten or twelve miles of Waterbury
we first met snow and then soon fields and hemlocks covered
with it, and people travelling in sleighs, Bishop Williams,
Reverend Dr. Clark and several other gentlemen passed
Monday evening at Mr. Kingsbury’s.

Monday, January 24th. I believe I have omitted to
record my return to the Board of Education by a majority
of twenty-eight votes in some five thousand polled. It was
a. close contest and some considerable amount of money and
cheating was expended in the effort to defeat me. On the
4th of January, I was elected, to my surprise, President of
the Board, an office for which I was not a candidate. Last
week on Monday I tried a case in Rockland County and had

261

iM tfi gninavD (fibnoM

] --

[i860]

to cross the country to Suffern’s Station and return by the
Erie Railroad, night express, in consequence of the ice on
the Hudson. Friday P. M., I dined at the Union Club.
Met among the guests Governor Seymour of New York
and General Dix, Baron Rothschild, August Belmont,
Abram S. Hewitt, and other political and personal friends
of my hosts, George I. Forrest and Mr. Butte rworth. After
dinner played two hours at whist with General Seymour,
General Dix and Mr. Hewitt. I think the young Hebrew
with his youth, his German Israelite face, his wealth, title
and decoration in buttonhole, was the poorest specimen
mentally and physically, that I saw around me at the table.

Thursday, January 26th. Attended another dinner at
Professor Davies’. It was given to General Scott, and
many of his boys, as several venerable looking gentlemen
designated themselves, who graduated at West Point prior
to 1819, were present. The evening passed delightfully
and the old hero ate, drank and told stories to our heart’s
satisfaction.

In speaking of the aversion of New England people to
mutton, he stated that in the Mexican War the New Eng¬
land regiment preferred to go without eating, than to eat
that, though he himself dined well from it in front of his
tent. I suppose his example was intended pour encourager
les autres. Among the guests were Dr. Webster of the
Free Academy, Dr. King of Columbia College, Professor
Peck, Professor Bartlett of West Point, and T. A. Davies.

Journey to Charleston S . C.

Some refreshing sleep at the Mills House beguiled away
the earlier portion of the day, then came dinner which was
followed by rain and a thunderstorm. The house was filled
by planters and their families who had either come to
Charleston for a few days of recreation, or were attracted
by the races. I was struck by the fine appearance and
height of the men, and by their courteous and elegant de¬
meanor, while the women had beautiful eyes and fine

262

[. i860 ]

figures, but their complexions indicated the prevalence of
affections of the liver.

Monday, Feb 6. Before breakfast I rambled over a
considerable portion of the town. The gardens, the flowers,
the views from the Battery, and the fine old mansions with
their roomy grounds and brick enclosures charmed me. It
was evident that a century since, it had been inhabited and
built by men of income and taste.

In the morning after breakfast, we drove over the bridge
to Ashley Hall, the country residence and estate of Col.
Wm. Izard Bull. For six miles we hardly saw a house.
The road was bounded each side by large pines and oaks,
rising from an impenetrable thicket of vines, canes and pal¬
mettos, and forming huge arches over our heads, from
whence hung the waving, mournful drifts of grey Spanish
moss. Occasionally an avenue was opened through to some
planter’s residence.

At length our carriage, turned to the right, passing
through a finely designed gateway, and entering upon a
long avenue of nearly a mile in extent. Huge live oaks
skirted it, and as we emerged into the park and lawn that
surrounds an imposing venerable residence, we were im¬
pressed by the size and the beauty of these lions of the
forest. Some of them were over thirty feet in diameter,
throwing out long tough limbs that in one instance touched
the ground in a circle around the trunk of the tree, so that
the diameter of the enormous pavillion thus formed was
58 yards.

Col. Bull gave us a most hospitable reception.* He
showed us the house in which he lives built in 1672, and the
old house of the original ancestor, in which the unbroken
treaty to this day was made with the Cherokees. Two of
the family were Provincial Governors of South Carolina,
and the estate has never been alienated. He showed us his

*When the Yankees entered Charleston he set fire to his house with his own
hand so that it should not be taken.

263

[i860]

grounds which were blooming with violets and japonicas
and native oranges, all in the open air. We saw his fish
pond, elks in the park with enormous horns, while those
that they shed last spring ornamented his hall, bamboos
and all spice from the East Indies, and Spanish olives all
flourishing. After inspecting a curious Indian mound,
about thirty feet high and covered with trees in his garden,
the gin where the negroes were ginning cotton, and a fine
ante revolutionary monument to one of his ancestors, we re¬
turned to the high road by another avenue leading through
the cultivated portion of the estate. Here we saw the snug
cottages of the slaves, and men and women working in the
fields, clearing out ditches and collecting leaves for the com¬
post heap.* A shower overtook us on our return.

In the evening we went to the theatre, more to see the
audience than the Ravees who played, but the house was
small, most of the persons who would attend being at a
large ball that evening as we were afterwards informed.

Tuesday, Feb. 7. I walked with Mrs. Curtis through
the market, the Battery and some of the interesting portions
of this strange old town. After breakfast I visited the
Charleston Club, the City Hall, where I saw Powers’
statue of Calhoun, Trumbull’s Washington and some other
curious and interesting things. Meeting Judge Pierpont
of New York, we visited the Court rooms, and had the
pleasure of being presented to Judge Withers, Chancellor
Inglis, Attorney Gen. Haynes, Gen. Martin, Col. Philips
and Mr. Pettigrew. The last named gentleman is the con¬
ceded leader of the bar, 73 years of age, without a white
hair in his brown shock that hangs to his shoulders like a
lion’s mane.

At 1 p. m. we recommenced our journey homeward.
After three hours’ delay at Wilmington, we sped on through
the rain to Portsmouth where we arrived at 4 p. m. finding
as we reached there a little snow mingled with the rain.

*My mother said it was all spoiled for her by the screams of a negress being
whipped. It must have been on the way back to Charleston. I can’t believe Col.
Bull was cruel.

264

■

[. i860 ]

Crossing the river to Norfolk I spent the next day calling
on the aged Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Cook, Mr. Robertson and
other friends. It was a lovely day.

— remainder omitted

Thursday June 14, i860. On Tuesday I was called from
Court by telegraph to Mrs. Curtis at Watertown. Yes¬
terday at 6:30 a. m. another boy was added to our number
and I have today hastened back to my duties leaving both
mother and child, thanks be to Providence, doing well.
That God may bless him through life is my fervent prayer.
(Eustace Sanford born June 12)

Journey to Europe .

Wednesday July 4th, i860. At 8 o’clock a. m. I left
Jersey City on the steamer Asia bound for Liverpool.

Excerpt from letter to Mrs. Curtis. I have cut out the guide book stuff.
There is a model of the ship, a side-wheeler, at the museum of the city of New
York.

Sunday, July 15th.

The storm cleared away in the night, and a beautiful
morning greeted us as we emerged from our narrow quar¬
ters and came on deck.

Holyhead and the coast of England were in sight. All
day we passed along most pleasantly. The channel was
still, steamers and ships under full sail were on every side
of us. Church spires, houses, cultivated fields, the new-
mown meadows with their hay cocks resting over Sunday
were distinctly seen on shore. The mountains of Wales
always wrapped in showers, lay on our right.

Presently the fleet that bears the Prince of Wales to
Canada came in sight, though we only surmised such to be
the fact. An Admiral’s ship, followed by the Channel Fleet,
ten large ships, in two rows about three miles apart, each
ship being about one mile behind the other, with sails set,
and rolling from side to side in the long swell was the order
in which they were proceeding. Each appeared to be fitted
with propellors.

265

mt>d irdl 193ft sd) x^n083lt"

xj jzin \xk > j »■» K* w-

[i860]

We gradually neared the Irish coast, high cliffs with
the surf looking like snow drifts twenty feet high as it broke
at their feet. Some cultivation appeared, and Bantry Bay
where Gen. Hoche landed with the French troops, looked
more quiet and inviting.

Thursday, July 19.

Excerpt —

The Randolphs are on the Continent, and Goodridge
leaves to join them and I have a letter from Mrs. McLean
whom I shall visit soon. I have seen the Tunnel, the Tower,
Hyde Park, Buckingham & St. James Palaces. My hotel,
Fenton's, St. James St., being in the west end and near them.
I have presented part of my letters of introduction. Sir
Hugh Cairns took me this evening into the House of Com¬
mons, where I heard him, Sir Richard Bethell, Lord Pal¬
merston, Lord Ino Russell, D'Israeli, Sir Charles Napier
and others speak. It is late I have just come from there. To¬
morrow night he takes me to the House of Lords.

Yours most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Excerpt —

In the evening Sir Hugh Cairns, who is the late Solici¬
tor General and the most rapidly rising lawyer in England,
went with me to the House of Lords and I remained upon
the floor of the House until its adjournment, where I could
see and hear everything to the best advantage.

Lord Chancellor Campbell, 84 years of age, presided,
sitting on the wool sack (you recollect reading his lives of
the Lord Chancellors) and I was told that he showed no
trace of his years as far as the vigor of his mind is concerned.
He spoke slowly, distinctly, and in a loud, firm tone of voice,
but in his big wig and robes he looked to me like a bluff,
fresh faced old woman. I heard besides him the Duke of
Argyle, and many other conspicuous peers. Physically they
are a tall, blue-eyed, fresh-faced, light-haired, and rather
stout, fine-looking collection of men.

266

;

— . • 4a i tr I nff A 3 . AA Z

a ora o !( ino^oj gni;Ioc

[i860]

Yesterday, July 21, I saw Madame Tusseaud’s wax
figures and Napoleonic Gallery, The Royal Exchange and
Bank of England. In the afternoon, I went and called on
Mrs. McLean, who is about 18 miles from London, living
at a quiet hotel in the centre of a beautiful park, and most
delightfully situated. It was formerly the residence of the
Duke of York and in the grounds I saw the tombstones
erected to the memory of 62 of the various pet dogs of the
Duchess of York. In the evening I went to the Italian
Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, at the invitation of Mr.
Morgan who invited me to a seat in his box. I have also
accepted an invitation to dine with them today at 7 p. m.

This morning I went to The Temple Church, a curious
monument of the past built about the close of the 12th Cen¬
tury for the Knights Templars. Their effigies with the legs
crossed of such of them as were crusaders, lie upon the tops
of their monuments. After that I went to St. Swithin’s
Church, where I heard an excellent sermon to 7 men includ¬
ing the beadle and a baby, 9 women, 18 or 20 charity chiL
dren and I thought how different this from St. George’s.

Tomorrow I hope to receive a second letter from you.
E. Goodridge went last night to join his sister at Baden
Baden.

Tuesday July 24, i860.

The dinner at Mr. Morgan’s was quite an elegant affair.
They live on Hyde Park, in the best quarter of the town,
with much more space about the house than we ever see
in New York with equipage, liveries, etc.

Yesterday I went to the British Museum, where I could
pass a week profitably. After that I went to the House of
Lords and heard a portion of the argument of an Appeal
before Lord Chancellor Campbell and Lord Brougham
and the other Law Lords. After that I went to the College
of Heralds and saw some curious things, then to the Royal
Academy and then to the National Gallery. Llere I saw
Turner and Claude’s Landscapes side by side. Pictures by

267

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us, ui ililo rh 03 injw I nbittfsa T

6'i*j / if .. . f. * ... {

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adi OJ nodi bns vmobfioA

[iS6o]

Reubens, Guido, Titian, Paul Veronese, Vernet and the
Poussins. Turner and Claude's landscapes are much alike
in their effect, and surpass anything we have infinitely.

Today I go to Windsor Castle and to Hampton Court
to see the beauties of Charles 2nd, if I have time. Mrs.
McLean lives about six miles from there, and I hope she
will come over and meet me.

It has rained every day I have been in England, usually
about ten showers a day. Yesterday it poured every moment
They say it is unusually wet and cold. Mercury rarely
rises above 64. I ride about in a cab wrapped up in my
cloak.

I hope you are all well and earnestly pray that it may
be so. Give my love to all. Kiss the babies and tell them
I think of them every day.

Believe me ever yours,

Most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Berlin.

Thursday, Aug. 23rd. i860.

My dear Wife :

Although it is before breakfast, and quite early, the
air is redolent with the drum and fife and bugle, and sol¬
diers are moving in all directions, and thus it is in every
capital of Europe. We may be grateful to Providence,
that we are free from the insolence of men tricked out in
uniform in every place about us, and from being taxed to
pay their bills.

I arrived at night at Prague, and had a very pleasant
companion for my journey from Vienna, in a young Aus¬
trian officer who is an aid of the Arch Duke, and who was
as well acquainted with Commander Marsy and our other
•scientific and military men by reputation, as if he had been
•educated at West Point.

At Dresden I visited the collection of rare and beauti¬
ful paintings and the other collections in the city and the

268

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[i860 and 1 86 1 ]

localities which are usually visited by strangers, and drove
about the city. I also attended a concert in the evening,
where the daughters and mamas sitting up straight as ar¬
rows and knitting stockings, were listening to the music and
talking to the officers who sat about smoking.

Most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Wednesday Aug. 15. I went from Venice to Trieste,
thence to Vienna, Prague, Dresden, Berlin, Cologne, Cob-
lentz, Mayence, Weisbaden, Frankfort, Baden Baden, Stras¬
bourg to Paris.

Monday Sept. 3. I returned from Paris to London from
whence I went to Edinburgh and after visiting Roslyn
Castle, Abbotsford, Melrose Abbey and Dryburgh ruins,
passed by Sterling and the Lakes, Loch Katrine and Loch
Lomond to Glasgow, from where I went to Belfast.

Monday Sept. 10. I visited the Giants Causeway, from
thence I went to Londonderry, Enniskellen, Droghide, to
Dublin, thence to Hollyhead, to Chester and then to Liver¬
pool, sailing from there on board the Persia on Saturday,
Sept. 15th and arriving in New York on Thursday morning,
Sept. 27th.

Saturday Sept. 29. Thirty-seven years of age today.
I am hardly 48 hours off the deck of the rolling steamer
that has borne me safely to home and kindred. Tod ay I
assisted at the baptism of my youngest son, Eustace San¬
ford Curtis, at St. John’s Church, Waterbury, by the Rev.
Dr. Clark.

Friday, Jan. 4. 1861. This is the President’s Fast in view
of the imminent danger of civil war and ruin to our country.
Heard Dr. Tyng preach. Most republicans deride the idea
of danger and Judge Foot showed his contempt for the fast
by working all day at the office.

Monday March 25. Went to Philadelphia with Mrs.
Curtis, having been ill for two weeks from over work and
hard cold, the physician sent me off. Tuesday we went to

269

r ! : »! ■ ' ';i i

[I 86 I]

Washington. Met Mr. Seward, Senator Foster, Mr. Rus¬
sel, the London Times correspondent and some other
gentlemen at H. S. Sanford’s at dinner. He leaves to-mor¬
row as LT. S. Minister to Belgium. Thursday I went to
Richmond. Friday I passed very pleasantly at Robert
Edmond's, drove out to his plantation. Attended the sit¬
tings of the Virginia convention. Saturday I went to Nor¬
folk via Westpoint, York River and Yorktown. Sunday I
remained in Baltimore and returned to New York, Mon¬
day, April i, much refreshed by my jaunt.

Saturday, April 13. The news has arrived of the cap¬
ture of Fort Sumter by the troops of the Confederate States.
Intense excitement exists throughout the city.

Monday, April 15. The President has called out 75,00 o
militia. The greatest excitement still continues and lawyers
are so much engrossed that the business of the courts is
neglected.

April 17. Jefferson Davis proclaims that his govern¬
ment will issue letters of marque.

April 19. The President proclaims a blockade of the
ports of the seceding states. The 7th Regiment, composed
of the flower and chivalry of youth of the City marched at
5 p. m. for Washington, proceeding down Broadway amidst
a vast concourse who cheered them and shed tears as the
brave boys passed. Wm. Henry Scoville marched as a
private, having enlisted two days before. Two or three
hours before they left, the news arrived that on this anni¬
versary of the Battle of Lexington, the Mass. Reg. that was
cheered yesterday while marching through the streets of
New York to Washington, were being treacherously at¬
tacked and slain in the streets of Baltimore.

Sunday April 21. I have just seen the march down
Broadway for embarkation of the 7th, 12th and 71st Regts.
Such an ovation I never witnessed. Many of the recruits
had no muskets or knapsacks, and some of them were des¬
titute of blankets.

270

■

—

-t£ ^nisd jiow tnojgnifi2fiW oi ^ho ’ vnVl

[1861]

Monday May 13, 1861.

To Mrs. W. E. Curtis,

Watertown, Conn.

My dear Wife :

I was glad to hear from you that you arrived safely. This
morning is my first intelligence from you.

Saturday P. M. 1 called at your Uncle Thomas’ (Gen¬
eral Davies) and accepted an invitation to dine Sunday.
When I went I found he had gone to Fort Schuyler to re¬
serve those quarters for his Regiment to drill in. You
know he has just been made Colonel of the three years’
Regiment from St. Lawrence Co., now encamped in Albany,
so I dined with the bereaved ladies, your aunt and Mrs.
Julia Davies and endeavored to Make Miss Vail happy
who was present, but very sombre.

Wm. Henry came in just at Church time in the morn¬
ing, says he is well, has got a furlough for a week, had
staid at the St. Nicholas Sat. P. M., intends going to Water-
bury, looked well but seedy.

I shall come up Sat. a. m. I think. Wish I could now.
Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Monday, June 17, 1861.

My dear Wife :

I am just down from Court, I won the cause which is
some consolation for having to stay over for it.

I called and saw Mansfield last night, he is on his way
to Albany, to try to get Enfield rifles for his regiment.
They had sharp work. I believe I wrote to you that I had
helped get a new sword for J. York.

Mansfield told me William Mallory behaved courage¬
ously. Got a ball through the fold of his pantaloon, and
another under his hand when they were lying down, but
received no hurt, and that he moved about everywhere

271

[i86i]

in the range of the enemy’s fire, seeming to suppose his
size freed him from risk. Mr. Raymond was there and I
see our conversation made two articles in this morning’s
Times.

Love to you all.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Journal

May i, 1 86 1 . The budget of my fifteenth year of pro¬

fessional labor:

Expenditures since May i, i860 . $9>635-°!>

Cash received for prof, services since May 1 . . . . 11,319.97
Cash received from int. rent, dividends, etc . 8,000.00

June 27th. Attended commencement at Trinity Col¬
lege. None of my class were present. The exercises were
for the first time at St. John’s Church. Some of the gradu¬
ating class laid aside their uniforms only to receive their
diplomas and some degrees were conferred on those who
were absent “ inter castra militanterm”

Aug. 25. Monday. During the past two months I have
been so absorbed in professional and public duties and by
the great contest now going on in our midst that I have made
but few entries to mark the flight of time. The fourth of
July I passed at Mr. Kingsbury’s and my family have been
at Watertown whither I have occasionally made visits. My
principal amusement has been in various excursions about
the country to Hartford, Litchfield, Newtown and to the
adjacent Lakes fishing. Saturday on my return from a fish¬
ing excursion with Mr. Cutler I received the intelligence
of the decease of my old and long esteemed friend Capt.
Geo. Coggishall. My conscience reproaches me that I
have not seen him for a long time. He was always kind
to me and the first and most valued friend I made when
I went to Brooklyn, a law student. Fie was a native of Mil¬
ford in this state (Conn.) His father commanded a priva-

272

[iS6i]

teer during the Revolution, and his son one in the war of
1812. As a boy he was on board of the ship that took out
the news of Washington’s death to Spain. He must be now
about 78 years of age. He was a man of sound judgment,
tender hearted, passionate, warmly attached to his friends,
enterprising, persevering and late in life became an author
b}r publishing some of his voyages and a History of Ameri¬
can Privateers. He was warmly and wholly devoted to the
cause of his country. He had lived for many years in
France and was fond of French literature. Perhaps I am
indebted to him in no small degree for the development
of my own taste in that respect. As a man he certainly ex¬
ercised no small controlling influence upon my course of
life, but he has gone as others and as all must go. Vale. Vale.

Monday Sept. 2. The tenth anniversary celebrated at
Watertown, a few family friends who were at the wedding,
dining with us and leaving the customary souvenirs of tin.

Oct. 13. The holding back of winter saves many a good
soldier from sickness. Blankets are scarce.

Thursday, Oct 31, 1861.

New York.

My Dear Wife:

There have been no great changes since you migrated
to pastoral scenes. Stocks have risen, and the newspapers
state what they term reliable news.

When I sat down excessively hungry to the souvenir you
brought me from Watertown my heart smote me and I
asked Ann upon what you dined, when she said that you
lunched at Mrs. Randolph’s and I felt relieved.

I am so much engrossed that I have no leisure to see
the sights, but if I had I would entertain you with stories
of all the dramatic, musical, and artistic exhibitions now
open for the delight and instruction of our benighted fel¬
low-citizens.

273

•VI

1 1 '

[/&>/]

My present mental emotion, is whether I shall stay in
and read the last number of Barber's Reports, or save a
fine of a dollar and go at 8 o'clock which is close at hand
to the meeting of the Committee on admissions at the Cen¬
tury. I know your prudent soul would be refreshed at my
saving up such an amount of silver, and you may depend
upon my going.

I am finding favor with the ladies in your absence. A
pumpkin pie has been sent to me. Ah! if I was one of what
Miss Hayt calls — hem — a minister, I should wallow in
doughnuts and cambric habiliments. But the sisters seem
rather chilly to poor limbs of the law, and I trust I feel
truly grateful for such favors as pumpkin pies.

I hope to come up some time next week to see you all
and especially to appreciate the immense improvements that
you have had made on the place in my absence.

Give my love to Mother, kiss the children for me and
tell them I should like to have them come down and make
me a visit.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

New York,

Nov. 8, 1 86 1 .

My Dear Wife:

We have news of another Missouri victory, but to me
it reads very much like another bloody repulse. I hope we
shall yet have some cheering intelligence. Sanford again
writes me almost discouraged by the bad news from home,
but he had not then heard of Bull's Bluff. The Independent
seems to be preparing its readers and party to back down,
after having so materially contributed to bring about the
difficulty.

I have seen nothing of the Randolphs, but shall very
likely call there this evening.

274

d moil awan bnd $dl yd bognuoasib Jaornlc Dm gDiiiw

. ,, ( * i

[i86i]

Ann is having the carpets put down, and preparing for
your advent. I am so busy I have no time for reading, and
hardly for writing you a line.

I was glad to hear from you this morning, and trust you
are all well. The News from the fleet is not favorable, it
seems some of the vessels were lost, and on the whole people
feel gloomy but hope for better tidings.

Kiss the children for me.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

(William Whitelaw, the gardener, went to the war and
died).

Sunday P. M. Nov. ioth, 1861.

My Dear Wife:

Yesterday I dined at the Maison Dore, a dinner given
by Ezra Goodridge to his groomsmen, Mr. Sherwood,
Randolph, and myself, so you may easily conceive I did not
rise very early this morning. After service I met Mr. and
Mrs. Cyrus Curtis on the 5th Av. who forced me home
to dine with them. On leaving there I met your Uncle
Henry, with his son, William,* who arrived last night and
is looking finely, and the former went with me to Dr. Tyng’s
Church.

I have just come from Louisa’s (Mrs. Henry Scudder)
where I took tea with Prof. Peck and Dr. Metcalf. He
inquired about you and Willy. Peck and the two Scudders
are to dine with me tomorrow.

People are depressed here about the continual bad news
from the war, and fear that worse intelligence is at hand.

Give my love to Mother. Kiss the children for me and
believe me as ever,

Yours most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

1 •

♦Augusta Ogden’s father.

275

[1 86 1 and 1862 ]

Christmas.

Mrs. Curtis is at Church, the children are busied with
gifts that Santa Claus has brought them. We go to Brook¬
lyn to dine at Sam’l. McLean's. War weighs heavily upon
this country and England threatens us with her sword.
May Providence restore to us the blessing of Peace.

“ The Sun,” Saturday, Dec. 28th, 1861.

MILITARY INSTRUCTION IN OUR PUBLIC

SCHOOLS.

William H. Anthon, Judge Advocate of this state, who has
been preparing for the consideration of the Legislature some
amendments to our Military laws, has addressed a letter to Mr.
Curtis, President of the Board of Education, asking his opinion
as to the advisability of adding military education as a branch of
instruction in our public schools. The reply of Mr. Curtis takes
strong grounds in favor of the step, and suggests that such acts
be passed by the Legislature as shall tend to this result. He very
rightfully claims that those educated at the public expense should
be willing and enabled to bear their share in defense of the coun¬
try and its institutions, when assailed.

Saturday, Nov. 15. It will freeze tonight. The first
frost will find my artemesias in bloom. God keep our
hundreds of thousands of blanketless soldiers who sleep
in tents warm. Mrs. Curtis is delayed in Conn, by the ill¬
ness of the children, and I am half sick from over work.
The news of the capture of Beaufort affords some comfort
in these times of general depression.

New Year’s, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1862. This was a
charming winter day, mild and sunny. Made 65 calls
and passed the evening at the Century discussing the un¬
happy condition of our poor country.

Sunday, Feb. 9. The winter has been mild but very
wet. The war as yet moves slowly on. Gen. Scott, whom
I met at dinner yesterday at Gen. Davies’, says there will
be stirring events in the next thirty days. The late suc¬
cesses at Mill Spring and Fort Henry I trust are happy
omens. Gen. Swift formed one of the party yesterday,
a vigorous, fine looking octogenarian, but much changed

276

[1862]

from his portrait at the City Hall, painted for the City in
1814. He now resembles the pictures of Bishop White.

Friday, March 28. Saturday the 8th. I went to Wash¬
ington. Monday I saw the marching off of several regi¬
ments in pursuit of the rebels who had left Manasses.
The appearance of the troops with their earnest faces, com¬
plete equipments and knapsacks and little French tents on
their shoulders, indicated that they were not taken by sur¬
prise. Tuesday and Thursday I visited our fortifications
and the rest of the time I loitered pleasantly away at the
Capitol and in a round of visits.

Willard’s Hotel,
Washington March 9th, 1862.

My Dear Wife:

I arrived at Willard’s about 7 a. m. being fortunate to
get a small, neat, room in consequence of my having tele¬
graphed.

My trunk was delayed by mistake until now (10:30
a. m.) so that I have only just made myself happy with a
change of toilet and bath. I have seen Peck who is here
and Woodruff of Hartford, ditto of Litchfield, and Mr.
Morse of Waterbury. Prof. Peck will be here some days.
It is too warm for a fire in my room and the day is charming.
I intend to sally out for a walk. My head does not trou¬
ble me as yet, and I hope to put the trouble to flight.

Your Uncle Thomas and Mansfield were here last
night, but are over the river today. The rumour is that
Leesburgh is taken, and that an advance will be made to¬
morrow. Young Henry is boarding at Willard’s as he is
on the Board of Examiners. I hope this will find you all
well. I am going out to find a Church.

Love to all,

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

277

[I 86z\

Forty miles south of New York, the snow disappeared and
the roads about here appear to be about one half settled.
The Sanitary Commission were having their troubles.
Dr. Bellows and Mr. Olmstead.

Willard’s

Washington.

March 12, 1862.

My Dear Wife :

After writing to you on Monday, I amused myself call¬
ing on Dr. Bellows, and Mr. Olmstead, at the office of
the Sanitary Commission, and in the evening I went to
Mr. Coyle's. His wife resembles Robert Edmond of Rich¬
mond, their oldest son is Senior year in college and seems to
be a bright lad. They have a daughter 15, and two younger
daughters 10 and 12, I should judge. I met their nephew,
John Edmond, there, who is a fine looking, intelligent young
man. I passed the evening very agreeably and at 10 J4
p. m. made for home, having accepted an invitation to take
tea there at 7 Yz last night, thinking I could get through in
time to call on Mrs. McClellen.

Yesterday I crossed over into Virginia and saw some
of the effects of war, fences and trees chopped and burned,
houses dismantled, etc. The roads are almost entirely dry
and the weather clear and warm.

Love to all,

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Washington,

Thursday, March 13th, 1862.

My Dear Wife :

By some irregularity in the distribution of letters at
the Hotel, I received your letters of Sunday and Monday
yesterday afternoon and in the evening your letter of Tues¬
day, which has relieved me of very considerable apprehen-

278

[i 862]

sion. I hope Randolph’s case will be the last of it, and
that things will go well at Watertown.

If Willy's difficulty is nothing more serious than his
teeth, I shall feel very much relieved, and I confide in not
taking drugs, and youth and fresh air.

I shall return either tomorrow or next day, probably at
ii p. m. Saturday, leaving here in the n a. m. train.

Yesterday after writing you, I walked with Peck over
the long bridge into Virginia and inspected some of the
works. We called on our return on Mrs. Geo. Woodruff,
our member from Litchfield, and after that I had a very
pleasant call on Mrs. Dixon.

In the evening I called again on Mr. and Mrs. Foster,
saw some trophies, swords, etc., that had been taken from
the rebels at Roanoke Island. During the evening I met
many persons whom I knew or was introduced to, — Mr.
and Miss Parsons of Hartford. She had met me on New
Year’s at the Godkins. The Woodruffs, Mrs. Alfred Eley,
Mr. Brown, M. C. from Providence and Senator Anthony,
and I passed part of the evening with Gov. Buckingham
of Connecticut, a very agreeable man, and who wishes me
to see Henry Kingsbury, or to see him himself, about some
Conn, military matters. I also was introduced to Mrs. Gen.
McDowell from Troy originally. Do you know her?

This morning I breakfasted with Judge Peabody, and
having some cold I concluded not to drive out with him to
Fairfax Court House.

Thus I have given you a narrative of the way in which
I dissipated the leisure hours here, beguiled neither by cards,
whiskey, tobacco or ladies’ smiles.

This evening I go to see the McClellen’s and paying
one or two p. p. c. visits conclude my Metropolitan pleas¬
ures.

With love to all I am yours, ,

Most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Don’t hesitate to telegraph me if you only wish me to return.

279

[ iS6z ]

Washington.

. Yesterday was a most charming day,

but now though it is warm, some rain falls in little showers,
then comes a little struggling sunshine, so that the mud in¬
creases and thus embarrasses the army movements.

It does me good to see the soldiers that have been wait¬
ing months for today, March through Penn. Ave. in the
highest spirits, even the little hide bound, weather-beaten
horses that have been exposed all winter, caper and frisk
in front of Willard's. Every window is open and the ladies
have been watching all day, and taking leave and shedding
tears has been the rule and not the exception. God knows
how many of the fine, young officers that filled Willard’s
last night and before morning had to march, will ever come
back again. There are no conventionalities now, the heart
speaks through the lips, and young ladies waive ceremony.

I have seen Dr. Bellows and Mr. Olmstead and I think
the Sanitary Commission will soon have more on their
hands than they have ever had. No change to the better
can be effected here, until calamity comes, and they are
yet struggling in vain to have the medical departments re¬
formed.

Capt. Wilkes ridiculed on Saturday to Dr. Bellows the
idea that the iron sheathed vessel of the rebels at Norfolk
could effect anything. Old commodores have thus far con¬
trived to break up all plans for iron protected vessels, ex¬
cept in a few isolated instances. The last 60 in fact, 30 days,
shows that this contest will be decided by iron vessels. I
am writing to you a long letter, you need not read it except
at leisure, but I thought I would give you the record of my
vacation, and show you how well I am employed.

I wish you were here, and if you can come do so, tele¬
graphing me in the morning, so I can meet you. I have
been writing so long that I have lost the mail.

Affectionately yours,

Wm. E. Curtis.

280

•

[1862]

*P. S. Don’t be surprised if I turn soldier, my heart is
in the fight and if I get a good chance I am in for it.

Friday the 14th. I returned to New York not much re¬
lieved from the oppression about my head for which the
physicians sent me away from New York. I have worked
hard this winter and of late have had to lie by a little and
I intend to do so more.

Death is busy in the ranks of our profession, war takes
some but overworked brains kill the most. Poor John Foot
died on the 13th. Another victim of rebellion.

Sunday, April 27th. I add another name to my mor¬
tuary record. Mrs. Cutler, the step mother of my father’s
first wife, whom I have called grand-mother from child¬
hood and with whom is associated much that is pleasant
and agreeable. She was a handsome bright, blackeyed
old lady, amiable, clear-minded, judicious and impressed
me always by the quiet dignity of her manners and the in¬
teresting character of her conversation.

Saturday, June 7. The war goes bravely on, but alas,
our streets are thronged with hundreds of crippled, wound¬
ed and sick soldiers that arrive daily from the South.

Thursday, Aug. 14. The war and the impending draft
are chief topics of conversation and public interest. I see
no hopes of peace until one of the parties is utterly exhaust¬
ed and I believe that will be the rebels. Great gloom and
depression prevails here in consequence of our reverses.
Gold today is quoted at 1 16 premium. I have passed most of
the summer thus far in Watertown and have made some few
excursions about the state and one as far as Newport. I
attended Trinity College Commencement and to my sur¬
prise was honored with the Degree of L.L.D. Most of
the students have volunteered as soldiers and the number
is less than it has been.

•Having a wife, four children and his mother, how could he go.

28l

[1862]

New York, Oct. 8/62.

My Dear Wife,

I have visited evenings, as I could not read and wished
to make the wisest disposition of my flying hours.

Monday P. M. I called on your Uncle William* and
also on your Uncle Nathan's family.

The grapes were most opportune, acceptable and deli¬
cious. Accept my thanks.

Last evening I passed at the meeting of the local Board
of School officers, fighting ineffectually to prevent wrong,
wastefulness and injustice. Things are becoming so bad
here that ultimately there will be no protection for prop¬
erty under our present system, I fear.

Yours most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Sunday, Jan. 1 8th, 1863. On Wednesday I was re¬
elected Pres, of the Board of Education and as usual de¬
livered an Inaugural. The Tuesday previous I attended
the wedding of Wm. Scovill at Hudson, all went off pleas¬
antly. I am now laid up with a severe sprain of the ankle
but hope to be out in a few days. The war fills us with
grief and humiliation.

Sunday, Feb. 8. On Tuesday evening Feb. 3rd, another
son was added to my household and I am grateful to Provi¬
dence that both Mother and child are doing well. (F.
Kingsbury Curtis) f The war weighs heavily upon us, and
the prospect before us is sad indeed.

Friday, April 3. The first fair beautiful day of spring.
I have just returned from Newtown whither I accompanied
‘ the remains of my kind old friend Miss Hayt.

Wednesday, July 15. My family have been domiciled
at Watertown since the middle of May and I have been
making some improvements and repairs at the old Home-

•Smith, brother of her step-mother.

fNamed for my aunt’s husband. None of our family names are perpetuated.

282

[1862 and 1863]

stead. I have not brought many suits of late, the deprecia¬
tion of the currency operating in such a way as to prevent
litigation.

The war drags its slow length along though we have
been much enlivened by successes at Gettysburg, Vicks-
burgh and Port Hudson during the past few days. At
the moment everything is depressed and all patriotic men
pained, if not disheartened, by the violence and outrages
of a mob in our midst for the past three days, in opposition
to the enforcement of the conscription. Mrs. Curtis left
Watertown with me yesterday morning to come to New
York. At Waterbury, W. L. heard there was a riot the after¬
noon before in the City. At Bridgeport we found railway
and telegraphic communication cut off. Mrs. Curtis re¬
turned after several hours delay and replacing the track
at Mount Vernon where it had been torn up by some local
rascals. We reached the Harlem Bridge; this was closed.
The passengers procured a small steamboat to transport
them to Peck slip, thence I proceeded to the Academy of
Music where I should have presided at the Commencement
then to have been held, but which was postponed. On my
way up I met citizens armed and drawing cannon through
the streets and upon my arrival at my house I found the
servants almost overcome with terror. The mob had just
fired the Station House near me, which burned unchecked,
and great numbers of rioters had been shot during the day in
the vicinity. God help our country which has to drain cup
after cup of the bitterest humiliation.

Mrs. W. E. Curtis,

Watertown.

106 Broadway, July 16/63.

My Dear Wife,

I expected to have heard of your safe arrival at Water¬
bury this morning but not having done so, I suppose the
mails are cut off.

283

[1863]

No trains ran yesterday. The rioting still continues
and as plunder appears to be their main object it may con¬
tinue for some time to come. We are pretty near the scene
of heavy fighting and firing, and I am glad you did not
come down.

I suppose I shall be on duty tonight, as we are organiz¬
ing to protect our houses in the vicinity. Mr. Stearns and
Mr. Tyng seem to have disappeared. The former got a
phaeton on Tuesday afternoon and with Mrs. Stearns re¬
treated to New Jersey, but has returned and was on duty in
the 20th ward last night.

I was so tired from being up Tuesday night that I slept
through the infernal din last night, my last recollection is
of two gangs of ruffians marching by singing “ Oh by joy¬
ful, joyful, etc.”

The cowardice, and running away, displayed by most of
the wealthiest portion of the community, is a great encour¬
agement to these rascals to continue to plunder. I think
we have now seen the worst of it, as the soldiers are coming
back to the city and I see the stages and cars are commenc¬
ing to run today.

With much love

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

New York, July 18, 1863.

Mrs. W. E. Curtis,

Watertown.

My Dear Wife,

The receipt of your note of yesterday relieved me of
great anxiety. The words “ all well ” at the close of the
letter conveyed most grateful intelligence.

Last night it rained fearfully and the city was quiet, but
all about us it was patrolled by the military who were for
the first time not fired on in the Avenues.

284

1 J863]

I saw Gov. Seymour at Head Quarters this morning at
the St. Nicholas. He looks pale and worn, but has labored
most assiduously and vigilantly to allay the passions of the
mob. He says that is now all over. I hope so, but there
are hundreds of rifles taken from the armory in 2nd Ave.
yet concealed along the 1st Ave. and which may be used
at any day.

Mr. McLean has returned. I told you yesterday. I
saw him this morning and he seems in good spirits and very
busy. Mr. Randolph has called to have me pass Sunday
with him at Spuytendivel and I think I shall go up this
evening and return Monday, as Margaret says she is “ no
longer afraid much.”

They will send me down if I am wanted tomorrow. Not
a dollar of our property and not a colored school has been
lost or burned.

I shall not come up before Wednesday. If you come
down Tuesday morning I will stay over until you go up.
You can tell when you get Monday morning’s papers if it
will be safe for you to come to the city. I think it will
be.

Love to all. Kiss the children. Tell me how Alla gets
on.

Yours afTectionatelv,

J 7

Wm. E. Curtis.

Sunday, Oct. 1 1/63.

98 E. 15th St.

Mrs. W. E. Curtis,

Watertown.

My Dear Wife —

Yesterday I dined with Mr. Cyrus Curtis who is alone
at his house. This morning Frank Goodridge was in our
pew and an unknown lady who I think possibly considers it
as her exclusive domain. Your Uncle Charles and wife ap¬
peared during the morning service, and shortly before or

285

after them your Uncle Nathan and wife took a seat with me.
They seemed to be pleased with the sermon and inquired
after you and the children.

I must tell you about the reception. I saw many people
there I knew, Miss Haynes and Miss Darragh, Mrs. God-
kin, Mrs. Hutchins and Mrs. Clift, Dr. Webster, Mr. Kirk¬
land, Judge Sutherland Hilton, Mr. Godkin, Charles Brace,
Dr. Lieber, and other gentlemen too numerous to mention.
The ladies I met inquired about you. I was invited to make
up the assortment, and so I amused myself highly. The
quadrille after supper was opened by Sir Alexander Milne,
a Scotchman 6 feet and 3 inches, thin and sixty, in brilliant
English uniform, gold lace and epaulettes, star on his left
breast, and a broad red ribbon around his neck. And Mrs.
Cyrus Field, I think. Mr. David Dudley Field danced
with Lady Milne, a fat, fair and forty, well preserved good
looking English woman. Admiral Farragut was the
brightest looking officer in the room and though near sixty,
and dressed in the simple frock coat and sholder straps of
our uniform, danced the best and looked the best of any
officer in the room.

I had some conversation with the Russian Admiral, who
with his officers made a brilliant appearance. Many Dip¬
lomatic and Consular uniforms were there, and in fact we
black coats were in the minority. The refreshments con¬
sisted of punch, ices and I believe some wines. It was
nearly two o’clock when I reached home in my two legged
coach and stick.

Mrs. Godkin said that they lived at I believe No. 37 E.
19th Street. Mrs. Clift seemed to be as much admired and
as much au courant as any lady there. Among the celebri¬
ties were Mrs. Gen’l. Banks, Mrs. Marshall O. Roberts, and
others too numerous to mention.

I was about as much interested in looking at a tall thin,
white haired old man, whose nose and chin almost met, and
who was as straight as an arrow, from Tennessee, Amos Ken-

286

il863]

dall, who has had his name, in his day, in the newspapers as
much as any man in the Country and who you recollect (I
am to young to remember it) was one of the Cabinet of Gen.
Jackson.

Now, I have told you all about the reception, so that you
are better off than if you had been there.

My head is more comfortable, and I have twice this week
slept by taking one of the little pills Dr. Thomas prescribed
about a year ago.

I am hard at work again, and I am reaping some of the
fruits. Was paid $700 last week, and should send you a
check if I were at the office. I enclose you the check you
sent to me, as you may need it. Endorse it before you use
it. I had no letter yesterday and have just returned form
a fruitless visit to the P. O. today. I hope you are well and
will bring you a Dictionary. Give my love to the boys and
say I am glad they are doing well at school.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Monday Nov. 30th. Snow falls today, the first of the
season and covers the geraniums and artemesias now flour¬
ishing in the garden. Tomorrow I am again before the
people a candidate for re-election to the Board of Educa¬
tion. I rather hope I shall be defeated and I feel quite
confident I shall be.

Death of My Mother.

Dec. 13, 1863. On Wednesday afternoon I received
a telegram from Doctor Munger that my “ mother was very
low.” It was too late for the evening train. I left by the
morning train. At Waterbury, Mr. Kingsbury met me with
the sad intelligence that she died at half past two a. m. I
was too late, but on my arrival at Watertown, her remains
yet preserved a life-like countenance. They told me that
she seemed to be improving until Tuesday night and there¬
fore did not send me word, that her mind seemed occasional¬
ly to wander Wednesday evening, that during the day she

287

«•

[. 1863 and 1864 ]

was distressed for breath, but about midnight fell asleep and
passed away without further suffering. She supposed she
would die, and Tuesday sat up in bed for 3 hours and ac¬
curately reckoned up her accounts, and made many little
memoranda of matters for my convenience, and not being
advised of Mrs. Curtis’ illness, she every day watched the
stage and post, expecting a letter or that she would come,
and at each disappointment expressed her apprehension that
she was ill.

The telegram was sent, so that if it had been delivered in
season, I should have reached there about 8 o’clock in the
evening. Before she died, she inquired at every sound if
that was I coming and towards the last fancied she heard
the wheels of the carriage bringing me. But alas! we were
to meet in life no more.

She was buried yesterday by the side of my Father. The
services were performed in part at the church where the
Rev. Dr. Lewis preached a sermon. My son Willy and
a niece, Mrs. Burdick, who came by chance upon a visit
a few hours before the funeral, and myself, were all of her
blood who came to the funeral and we stood together, as at
noon with the snow fresh upon the ground, and the clouds
dark and moist above us, her coffin was slowly lowered into
the grave prepared for it.

Thus passed away one, who was by nature kind, tender
and affectionate and from whom I never received a blow or
an angry word, and to whom I am under immeasurable ob¬
ligation. Farewell Mother! Parents and childhood’s
home are among the shadows of the past.

Christmas.

A clear, cold beautiful day, drove with Mrs. Curtis and
the children in Central Park and stopped to witness the
crowds skating upon the various Lakes.

Monday, Jan. 4, 1864. Mrs. Curtis and Willy and nurse
sailed by the steamer Corsica at noon to-day for Nassau.

288

[18641

A little snow has quietly fallen since but no wind has sprung
up and I trust they will have a pleasant passage to a warm
climate and that Mrs. Curtis will return restored to health.
I should have liked to have gone with them but my en¬
gagements here forbid.

Journey to Nassau.

Monday, Feb. 29, 1864. Mrs. Curtis and Willy being
at Nassau, and invalids, I left at 3 p. m. today on the British
Steamer Corsica, to go down and pass ten days there, and
make them a visit. The sky was overcast, air cold and raw,
and a snow storm threatening. The little propellor, with¬
out freight and a round bottom would evidently roll badly,
but fortunately the sea was smooth and though crowded
with passengers, three in a stateroom, we passed a com¬
fortable night.

Friday, March 4. Sunshine, hot air, and a heavy sea
\yhich gradually diminished. 10 a. m. saw the island of
Eleuthera to the east of our course. 3 p. m. arrived off
Nassau. 4:30 p. m. crossed the bar and anchored. Could
see the bottom at 60 feet. Island covered with green shrub¬
bery to the water’s edge, except about the town which is
filled with gardens and stone houses surrounded by piazzas.
Back of these rise the heights crowned by forts, the Govern¬
ment House and the Hotel.

The harbor was full of steamers painted grey and fitted
out to run the blockade to Wilmington. Saw one of them
steaming out as we came in sight of Nassau. The negro
boatmen fought, brandished knives and vociferated oaths
and after hour’s delay and being splashed with water I
landed, reached the hotel and had the unspeakable happi¬
ness of finding Mary Ann and Willy well.

Saturday, March 5. Clear, hot, mercury 73 in the
shade. Drove out in the morning and afternoon with Mrs.
Curtis. Saw palm trees loaded with cocoanuts, bananas,
oranges, etc. growing in profusion. Called on Mrs. Leer
with Mrs. Curtis.

289

{1864]

Sunday March 6th. Attended service at the Cathe¬
dral, and heard a sermon from one of my late fellow pas¬
sengers, The Bishop of Nassau, Dr. Venables. Walked out
to a negro village with Dr. Kirkwood in the afternoon and
in the evening to the esplanade with Mrs. Curtis. Listened
to the music in the cathedral.

Monday March 7. Drove to the lakes with Col.
Davies, Dr. Cummings and some other gentlemen. Walked
on the shores, gathered some varieties of orchidaceous
plants. Dined in a piazza of a ruined house in the midst
of orange and lemon trees struggling for life with the en¬
croaching forest which now covers what once was a sugar
estate. Returned at dusk bringing with us some boughs
laden with oranges and lemons, also a mahogany bough.
The undecayed portions of the piazza were of wood which
seems in this locality to be very durable.

Tuesday March 8. Drove to Foxhills with Mrs. C.
and Willy, a settlement of native Africans. Visited a rich
looking school of young Congoes. They are very indus¬
trious, bought some shaddocks and sappodilloes of the
women. Returned in rain which fell moderately till
evening.

Wednesday March 9. Visited the caves about ten miles
to the westward with Mrs. C. and Willy and found them
interesting and the bottom covered with guano from the
numerous bats and birds that have had lodgings in them for
centuries. Gathered wild flowers and some seeds to try at
Watertown, also some of the small red beans growing wild
from which the negroes make scarlet beads. Ate some of
the fruit of the prickly pear, not good. Upon our return
called upon Mrs. Leer, Gov. Bailey and lady and upon the
Bishop and Lady.

Thursday March 10. Drove with Mrs. C. and Willy
over a stony road through forests of pine and palmettoes
to the South Bay. A scene of wildness and desolation and
with no vestiges of civilization, except fragment of a wreck

290

' •

{1864]

lying upon the beach. Brought home some shells. At¬
tended a pleasant party at Judge Doyle’s in the evening
where I met many agreeable residents of the Island.

Friday March n. Went with Judge Doyle and visited
the public schools and public buildings and library and
court rooms and also some handsome stone houses he is
erecting. Dined at Dr. Kirkwood’s and remained late
playing whist. Fourteen gentlemen at table, among them
Judge Doyle, a very intelligent colored barrister, Mr. Dil-
let, and the Col. of the ist West Indian Regiment.

Saturday March 12. Drove with Mrs. C. and Willy to
the Eastward, visited the market. Called on Dr. Kirkwood
and Judge Doyle. Drove out with Mr. and Mrs. Darling
after dinner and passed the evening with them. Was
struck by the immense size of the rooms of his house.

Sunday March 13. The past three days and to-day
mercury 60 in the shade. Called on Judge Leer with
Willy. Walked in the evening on the piazza of the hotel.
Beautiful moonlight. Made preparations to leave in the
morning.

Monday, March 14. Corsica anchored off Nassau at
daylight. Went on board at 10:30. Sailed at 2 p. m.
having waited till then for the mails. Weather warm, sea
tranquil. Sailed near Abaco Island and lights during the
dusk and the evening. Passed a pleasant night with heavy
showers.

Friday, March 18. Land in sight at 8 a. m. Pilot
came on board at 9 a. m. Wind South, sea calm. I p. m.
off Staten Island. 2:30 p. m. at Jersey City. Hurried my
trunks through the custom house officer’s inspection and
reached home at 3 *.30 p. m. where I received the sad news
of the death of little Willy Kingsbury the day after I left
and whom I had seen two days before never looking better.
Found Mr. and Miss M. V. Kingsbury at the house.
Thank God, children all well.

291

[I86,f]

106 Broadway, New York.

Monday, April 18/64.

My Dear Wife,

Since I last wrote I have heard from you again by the
Corsica, and am glad to hear that you and Willy, though
suffering from cold, had thus far excaped every thing more
serious.

I am daily grateful to Providence that our children
keep well. We have not had a doctor at the house but
twice since you left, and all of them are doing so well that
I shall keep them here until the first week in May. But
when I see what I have written it alarmed me and I expect
I shall catch it for having remarked upon it.

Mr. H. S. Sanford is in the City. Ke dined with me
one day last week and wishes his kindest remembrances con¬
veyed to you, as, my Dear, everybody else who knows you
does.

(Then follows a great deal about the Kingsburys and
mama’s baby who was staying there, also news about Aunt
Maria Davies and the Randolphs.)

Miss Sophia Goodridge I suppose is made happy by
Fred’s success, as the boys tell me he is to be married in a
few weeks and go to Europe. The lady is Miss Grosvenor,
the wealthiest heiress in the Country, and in addition to
being a millionaire , is beloved by every one as being a most
amiable, and highly cultivated, and intelligent lady. The
courtship has been an affair of years, and the marriage is
one of hearts. I observe Miss Taintor, a Hartford heiress,
is visiting there, and that casually the young deacon that
is to be, in June, has a little vacation from his studies and
is here. Mr. R.* has bought the place next the one he
occupied last summer ‘and which was then occupied by
Mr. W. E. Dodge. This Mr. R. says in view of Archi¬
tects, masons, etc. that Madam has sent there, will keep
them all summer happy in a state of repairing.

•Mr. Randolph.

292

[i864]

The fair for the Sanitary Commission you doubtless
read much of. I have been there twice. The first time I
went at 1 1 A. M. and saw the pictures, a splendid collec¬
tion. Miss Edwards, Miss E. Willard, Mrs. Clark Mary
Hopkins that was, Miss Wilson, Miss Perkins, and so many
people were there that I knew, that I did not stay long.
In the evening I went to the shanty before the Everett
House where the Hartford table is, and where I saw Mrs.
Bull, Hutchins, and Churchill. Among other things they
stuck me with an embroidered baby blanket at $10, though
I assured them that we had no use for it. I shall mail
this and write again before the steamer leaves. All well
and I hope you are. Kiss Willy and accept a thousand for
yourself.

Yours must affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Friday, August 18th. I returned last evening from
the Thousand Island where we had been for nearly two
weeks. Mrs. Curtis enjoyed the fishing and rowing among
the Islands. We passed each day in this way with our
friends, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas , the boatman cooking our
fish on some pleasant island where we would land in the
shade to dine.

Note by Elizabeth Curtis 1925

(I have dwelt so much on Connecticut that although it
is eighty-three years since my father came to New York
there is scarcely space for a true picture of the family life
after his marriage. It was always full of color and never
dull or stodgy. From the first my parents knew interesting
people, and in those days New York was so small, that an
attractive young couple was not lost sight of. Notwith¬
standing all of mother's babies, she went to a number of, as
she described them, delightful parties. At one at the home
of Mrs. Jacqueline Smith’s mother, Mrs. Campbell, they
were asked to spend the evening and see a statue recently

293 >

[ i864]

sent from Rome. After looking at it and meeting about
thirty people, tea and thin bread and butter were passed at
ten o’clock and at eleven all went home. “ In those days,”
she said “ people knew how to talk ” The boys as they
grew old enough were sent to the red brick Quaker school
on Stuyvesant Square, and when the City disagreed with
them they were packed off to Watertown where the house¬
keeper-governess Miss Powell and the old nurse, Anne
Laurence looked after them. My grandmother taught
Will his Greek alphabet when he was four, which beat our
record for precosity.

After i860 my mother was sent to the South (Nassau,
Aiken or Charleston) every winter for her health and she
usually took one of the older boys with her and sometimes
one of the babies. My father’s letters to her are delightful
and make one see what a thoughtful, affectionate man he
was. In those I include here to give an idea of his life out¬
side his practice, I have omitted the long accounts of the
activities of each child and the domestic details. The at¬
mosphere at home was always one of great hospitality.
Each of the five boys seemed to bring back one or two
friends for every meal. I can just remember the place
seething with youths of all sizes.

The 20th Street house was very stately with high
ceilings, Italian decoration and red damask hangings. The
day my mother gave a reception or dance for her debutante
niece, Alice Kingsbury, I was hurried into a little knitted
jacket and taken down to see someone before the company
arrived. There were certain tricks they always made me
do and the boys taught me slang before I could speak. I
remember distinctly when about three sitting on my father's
lap and feeling so safe because he was big and tall. That,
then, is the picture, — a big distinguished father with a cul¬
tivated voice and grand manner, a small charming mother
and five splendid sons. The two little girls were not taken
very seriously, the boys were what counted.

294

.b'Mnuoo jfiriv/ airw 8’{od aril /(kuoiTse '{lav

[■ tS64 ]

Journal.

September 29th. Forty-one years of age. I passed
the day at Watertown with my boys, the feeble health of
the mother compelling her some two weeks since to seek
the milder climate of New York. The immense sacrifice
of life produced by the war seems to create a general dis¬
regard of Time and Life, which I so far feel, that I have
ceased to read over the records of my birthdays when a new
one occurs, and as year after year hurries me to the expira¬
tion of my life lease, I learn to look upon it as the event
which is hourly happening to most of my friends and neigh¬
bors, with the briefest note and warning.

Wednesday, December 28th. I have today followed to
the grave the remains of my old preceptor in the law, Wm.
Curtis Noyes. I was a student in his office when I com¬
menced this volume. Thursday last I met him at a meeting
of the New England Society, he was elected President and
was present at the dinner in the evening. I thought I
never saw him appear in better health. The next morning
he was prostrated by apoplexy when arising and remained
insensible until his death Sunday noon. He was only 59
years of age, but his brain gave way under the pressure of
unremitting labor for many years. He knew nothing of
rest or recreation; his cases, his library, his family and im¬
mediate friends engrossed every thought and every moment.
Learned, clear headed, calm, amiable, courteous, perse¬
vering, conscientious, he stood in the foremost ranks of the
profession, without genius and without early advantages,
but endowed with admirable perseverance and a sound
judgment.

Friday, December 30th. I have just returned from at¬
tending the funeral at St. George’s, of Mrs. Scudder. She
was one of the bridesmaids when I was married, Louise
Davies, and the first of the company of eight that has fallen.
Gifted with beauty, genius, and the graces of a Christian

295

Ii865\

character, she leaves an affectionate husband and five little
children to bewail her loss.

I was at the meeting of the bar this morning in refer¬
ence to the death of Mr. Noyes. Bradford, Field, G. S.
Curtis, Vanderpoel, Brady, and O’Conor spoke.

Monday, January 2nd, 1865. The New Year's Holiday
was today observed. Mrs. Curtis, Sanford and nurse, left
in the steamer Corsica early in the morning for Nassau.
God send them a pleasant passage. On my return from the
steamer I made calls throughout the City. Dined at Mrs.
Randolph's. Passed the day pleasantly.

Monday, April 10th. The papers this morning an¬
nounced the welcome intelligence that General Robert E.
Lee had surrendered the rebel army of Virginia and that
Peace is at hand. A week ago we received news of the
capture of Richmond and Petersburgh, and I earnestly
hope and pray that a few weeks more will end this bloody
war. The Government has had a long series of military
successes, and the Rebellion must succumb. Mrs. Curtis,
who is still in Nassau, will be delighted with the news.
We have had a dreary, cold, severe winter, and during Jan¬
uary and February I was chiefly confined indoors by a se¬
vere cold, and even yet my throat is so sensitive that I dread
resuming the trial of causes.

Sunday, April 1 6th. This is a sad Easter Sunday. The
City is a scene of mourning. From public and private
buildings the flags float at half-mast, and columns and win¬
dows are draped with mourning emblems. President
Lincoln lies a corpse, the victim of a cowardly assassin, and
Mr. Secretary Seward, and several of his household, are at
the point of death, victims of one of his accomplices. He
was taken away at the moment when the country, regard¬
less of party, looked to him with Hope and Confidence.
Providence will guard our future.

Sunday, September 10th. Mrs. Curtis returned from
Nassau May 12th, much improved in health. The chil-

296

[l86S and 1866']

dren and Miss Powell went to Watertown in a few days
after. Willy is to commence his Latin tomorrow, ten years
old. How it carries me back to the days of Penna\ I
have just received a notice of the death of my old friend,
Eugene Jean Jaquet of Neufchatel, and must write to his
wife, but what a trifle is it in the way of consolation to the
widow and the fatherless children.

Friday, September 29th. Forty-two years of age today.
Passed the day engrossed in my usual avocations. My
pleasure upon lying down or waking up is the thought that
war and death and desolation are staid, and that peace
and happiness are again smiling upon my beloved and unit¬
ed country.

Thursday, December 7th. This day is by the recommen¬
dation of the President observed as a Thanksgiving, and
never had a nation more cause to observe it. Mrs. Curtis
and the two youngest children are here, and the rest are at
Watertown. Tuesday I attended the funeral of young
Major Chas. F. Davies, who returned shattered in health
from serving honorably in the Army, to linger a few weary
weeks at home and then die.

Above is the notice of the marriage of Miss Kingsbury,
a long cherished friend, and for whose welfare my prayers
ascend. (Uncle Fred’s cousin married Comte de Giver-
ville)

Wednesday, January 31st. Went with F. J. Kingsbury
to Washington. Thursday, P. M., we went with Profes¬
sor Davies and Judge Davies to receptions at Secretary
McCullough’s and Secretary Morgan’s. Met General
Thomas Meade and other Military and civil celebrities.
From Senator Morgan’s, Mr. Kingsbury and myself went
to the French Minister’s, M. le Marquis de Mouthon, where
we met chiefly members of the Diplomatic Corps. Friday
we drove to Arlington House and the Soldiers’ graves. In
the evening, we called on Senator and Mrs. Lane, and then
supped at Mr. Coyle’s. Saturday evening and Sunday —

297

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O 8671

we passed the former at Mr. Poliak’s and the latter at Gen¬
eral Ramsay’s. Monday attended Mrs. Dixon’s reception,
called on Miss Foot, and in the evening we went to General
Grant's. Here we saw the hero, his wife and father, and a
crowd of celebrities. Tuesday returned to New York.

Friday, Feb. 28/67.

My Dear Wife,

I received your letter yesterday and have told Willy
to give the chair to your Aunt Maria.

I dined again with Mansfield and his wife at The Clar¬
endon, and afterward went to call on Miss Campbell who
with her Papa inquired after your welfare.

The Judge* was to have given a dinner to Gen. Grant
yesterday but as he did not come it is postponed until next
week. Mansfield says he was not invited, “ only desirable
people,” so I suppose it was a political dinner.

The Prof.f came down as he did not get the news of the
postponement.

It has ceased snowing, but is cloudy and thawing today.
I go up to see if I can get the horse exercised a little, as I
feel very anxious about all and especially that portion of my
family. I get no letter today.

Rachel seems to do very well, and Marguerite is en¬
gaged in the pious work of converting her to the Catholic,
Roman Church.

Remember me to Mr. Cornish when you see him and
I hope the cross back of the pulpit has ceased to scandalize
the Aiken Christians.

I hope you are all well, and that you and Holbrook
will not make each other sick.

•Henry Davies.

fProf. Charles Davies, then at West Point.

298

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V 8671

Regular meals, regular sleep, and our boys are well.
But when they come under the pressure of school, Circus,
and other City excitements they have to succumb.

Nothing charged for medicinal advice at this office!

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Sunday, September 22nd. Yesterday I attended the
funeral of my old and tried friend, Franklin F. Randolph.
I was at his house where he died on Wednesday morning.
He was a just, conscientious, honorable, even tempered,
generous man. I trust my son, who is named from him,
may be enabled to follow his example. He was buried at
Woodlawn Cemetery near the grave of his brother-in-law,
Ezra R. Goodridge, another near friend who preceded him
but a few short weeks.

Sunday, September 29th. Forty-four years old today.
Attended the opening services at St. George's Church. A
beautiful restoration. The chipped walls alone show the
effects of the fire. Dr. Spring, at Dr. Tyng’s request, made
the closing prayer.

Wednesday, October 2nd. This morning between 3 and
4 o’clock a daughter was born to me. May God pour his
blessings upon her and preserve her to be the joy and com¬
fort of my old age. (Mary Alathea Curtis)

Thursday, November 28th. Thanksgiving. A rainy
day. Dined at home with all my family.

Wednesday, Christmas. Pleasant. Walked four miles
in the morning. Then drove to the Central Park with Mrs.
Curtis and the children to see the skaters and curlers. Passed
the day at home.

Thursday, January 16th. Twelve noon left for Wash¬
ington, arrived 10:30 P. M. Friday. Attended to my cause
in the Supreme Court. Called on Mrs. Coyle, Mrs. Dixon,
and in the evening on Judge Clifford. Ordronaux passed
the evening with me and Saturday morning I strolled with

299

[1868]

him about Washington and in the evening returned to New
York.

The Bowery, N. Y., Feb. 22/68.

My Dear Wife,

We are all well and the baby* I see daily and it is grow¬
ing in beauty and wit.

I saw Mrs. Foster Thursday evening at Mrs. Stough¬
ton’s and many people there and at Peter Cooper's whom
I knew and who asked about you. I gave your message
to Mrs. Stoughton who desired me to let her know when
you were in town so that she could call.

The Leslies were there and Davies

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Sunday, Dec. 20, 1868.

209 E. 15th St., N. York.

My Dear Wife,

I was very glad to receive on Saturday your two letters
informing me of your safe arrival in Nassau and that you
were all well — The house was dismal enough after you all
left and it was some days before I could endure dining there
Fy myself. The week following, I was very closely confined
by business engagements, and last Sunday I drove with Mr.
Clift to the Park, and dined there in company with Rev.
Dr. Weston and Mr. Lydig Suydam. This is the only din¬
ner or entertainment I have participated in since you left,
except just before dinner, I attended for five minutes a re¬
ception at Miss Demings, Mrs. Moore’s, Mrs. Stuart’s, and
Mrs. Sherwood’s. There were immense crowds at the two
latter houses, but for certain reasons, viz., hunger, no time
to make toilette, etc., etc., I simply made my bow and left
after saluting the mistresses of the house.

You will see by the papers, the death of one of my Club
•confreres, Judge Robertson, a genial gentleman, and whom
I am sorry to part with.

•Mary Alathea.

300

[1868 and i86q ]

Today it rains, freezing as it falls and either the girls
or Michael have shovelled about a barrel of saw dust over
the front steps, to the amazement and horror of the old
Quakeresses who are just trotting home from meeting, and
who, avoiding stepping in the mess, look up aghast at the
grocery taste of the proprietor of the door-plate. John
Ordroneaux stayed here Monday and Mr. Kingsbury
Thursday.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Wednesday, December 23rd. I am the sole member of
the family staying in New York. Mrs. Curtis and Hol¬
brook and Kingsbury left on the 31st instant for Nassau,
where I learn they arrived safe and are well. Tomorrow I
leave for Connecticut to pass Christmas with the other chil¬
dren. Thanksgiving we passed very pleasantly at Water-
town.

Christmas 1868. Passed the day very pleasantly with
the boys at Mr. Kingsbury’s. The morning previous I
passed the smoking wreck of St. John’s Church where I
was married and my six children baptized.

New Year’s 1869. a most fearful snow storm blowing
violently all day. Made 25 calls and then abandoned from
pity for my horses and coachman, and suffering from ex¬
posure and soaked feet.

209 E. 15th St., New York,
Sunday P. M., Jan. 10, 1869.

My Dear Wife,

Willy wrote you his letter the early part of the evening
and I thought now that he and I have been out visiting I
would drop you a line .

After dinner and letter writing we went to the Century
and saw the pictures, and thence to your Aunt Maria’s where
we had a pleasant call but brief and then to Doctor Thomas.
He and his wife had just returned from a drive to Staten
Island. You are aware, I suppose, Mrs. Lapsley has a

301

' , o I lifeorj •

liSdg)

daughter as well as Mrs. Scudder, about three days differ¬
ence between them. Dr. Metcalfe came in while we were
there. Dr. Thomas said he never saw a boy who had im¬
proved as much as Willy has in the time since he saw him.
His cheeks are red and he is a head as tall as Frank Good-
ridge, as I observed at Church. So much for today’s sin
and wickedness.

I dined at Mr. Stoughton’s once, at dinner of Commit¬
tee on nominations at the Century, and I declined an in¬
vitation to dine at Dr. Thomas’. This week I have cards
to a dinner by the Bar to Mr. Gerard on his retirement from
practice, also to Dramatic Fund Ball, and Feb. 2 to Charity
Nursery Ball where I shall go all as brave and very much
like a beggar on horseback.

Last night received letter from Miss Powell, which I
enclose. Kiss the boys from me.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

209 E. 15th St., New York,

Sunday, Feb. 7, 1869.

My Dear Wife,

Wednesday I had my first dinner company of the sea¬
son, in a very modest way. Mr. Kingsbury, Frank Good-
ridge, Mrs. R. and Miss G. and I will now give you a sample

302

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Ii86g}

brick of my daily life. Thursday as every day, I was forced
up to my utmost brain and nervous capacity — at 8 P. M.
I attended the trustees meeting at the Century — At 9 P. M.
I attended Mr. Du Chaillou lecture and the meeting of the
Council of The Geographical Soc. At 10 I attended the
Reception of Artists at The Academy of Design, at 11 I
was in bed, and between 3 and 4 A. M. asleep. Friday
P. M. was at a Reception at Judge Daly's, Admiral and
Mrs. Farragut, and divers celebrities there, at 10 P. M.
went with C. P. Kirkland from there to a Reception and
supper given to the Committee of the Bar, at Mr. Jas. W.
Gerard’s, At 12 M. in bed, but not asleep until after 3
A. M. when I got up and took a nervine. Saturday, 9 P. M.
at the monthly meeting of the Century Club, at 10 P. M.
met some gentlemen in conference about a case at Mr.
Stoughton's library. At 12:30 in bed, after 1 A. M. asleep,
and today I am taking my rest. This evening dissipation
closes with the approach of Lent, and as I give no dinners
or receptions in return, and do not go to one half I am
asked to I am at a loss why people ask me.

Every time I go out I answer about ten inquiries about
you, and this reminds me that I had Sunday P. M. an in¬
vitation to the Eaton’s to tea, an impossible affair with me.

I shall be delighted when you close your term of ab¬
sence and hope to survive to see you once more, but toil and
dissipation are taking out what few gray hairs I have left.
The weather has been fine and continues so —

The willows have turned yellow on the Park where I
often drive, and an early Spring threatens us. I live in ex¬
pectation of hearing from you on Friday

Yours most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

303

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[i869]

Watertown, Saturday, Feb. 20, 1869.

My dear Wife :

The family are all well. I left New York by the 8 a. m.
train, drove up to Alla’s, where the first face I saw was
Master Willy. After arranging with Alla to go down with
me Monday, I returned to the stage and resumed my jour¬
ney to this calm retreat of snow-sprinkled mud. Sanford
looks as fresh and brave as a stable boy, but has requested
me “to give him 12 cents to buy some cough candy which
Mr. Starr tells him will cure his cough right away.” He
says his cough has existed 3 or 4 days.

The baby (Mary) has improved and walks supported
by a chair, and has four new teeth, which have arrived since
I was last there. I doubt if she will have red hair. Ran¬
dolph was celebrating his holiday with a game of marbles
on the south side of the District School House, and on my
asking who the colored boys with him were, he strenuously
insisted they were white. Miss Calhoun is here visiting
Miss Powell and seeks an opportunity to resume instructing.
I came unexpectedly, but find a supply of fresh cod, pick¬
erel, beef, and oysters in the house.

Sanford and I have just returned from a walk to Day¬
ton’s Pond, I find the finest ice I ever saw there, transparent
blue cakes 2 Yi feet thick, and our ice-house has just been
filled with it. I shall postpone writing much until to¬
morrow, for I am really tired with work and want of sleep,
and expect to rise like a giant refreshed from slumber.

Sunday. 7:45 a. m. Feb. 21, /6 9.

I have made an elaborate toilette, and hearing no sounds
in the house, but cheered and warmed by the bright sun¬
shine pouring into the four windows of the room, I have
taken my pen to inform you before breakfast that I had
a glorious sleep, and am confirmed in the opinion that there
is no bed like a feather bed, and that our ancestors were
ahead of us in wisdom. Since I received your letters by
the steamer from Nassau I have not seen Mrs. Cyrus Cur-

304

J . <

[iSdg]

tiss, but I will in time for your yarn by the steamer. Mr.
Kingsbury came Monday night. Tuesday p. m. we called
on Mrs. Bliss and saw such conjugal affection that took
the wind out of our sails. We then called on your Uncle
Thomas, and whilst we were there they both made up their
minds and decided to go to Nassau by Thursday's steamer,
and I think it is quite probable they have changed their
views once or twice since on the subject, but it would not
surprise me if they drifted there in company with this.

Friday at 6 y2 p. m. I went to Mr. Houghton’s to a fami¬
ly dinner, and then worked on a case with him till 1 1 p. m.
when Ole Bull who seems to always stay there, came in,
and played an hour for us, Norwegian airs and songs, telling
us the story of what he played. It was very delightful, and
gave me new conceptions of his poetical and musical genius
and of the capacity of the violin. His country seems to be
rich in the wildest tales and traditions.

Thursday p. m. I went and took a Russian Bath by Dr.
Thomas’ advice, for my knee. It was rather pleasant to be
heated into a profuse perspiration with hot steam, and then
to be showered with hot water, shampooed, rubbed, beaten,
pulled, twisted and then put on a lounge to recline in a com¬
posed state for half an hour. Unluckily, I can feel no bene¬
fit from it, and I took some cold in my face coming home
that set my face aching for 48 hours. My lameness is about
the same, and deprives me of all active exercise, but by the
use of a stick I get about so as to attend to all ordinary
matters.

Sanford seems to have improved very much, and has
given up bellowing entirely since he went to school. The
boys do well there and I regret Mr. Adams is about to leave,
for they do much better when there are others to study with
them, and I suppose there will be no school after he goes.
I will keep the rest of this sheet for a P. S.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

305

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svbH oJ errma bioinsg

[I 86g\

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1 869I
Arrived last night with Alla. Left them all well. En¬
closed find Gold Certificate No. 658 as heretofore for $250.
Will mail a similar one tomorrow.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Journey to Europe

Wednesday afternoon, June 23rd, I left New York on
the Cuba for Liverpool. My notebook and letters to Mrs.
Curtis from the date which I trust in some leisure hours I
may write an account of a journey that I found very agree¬
able. I arrived at Liverpool on the evening of July 4th and
the next day I went to London. I remained until July 13th
visiting the Courts, Houses of Parliament, etc., then I went
to Brussels where I passed a week with my old friend San¬
ford, making excursions from there, and having an agree¬
able interview with the King at Luchen.

*' I went to the Hague, thence to Amsterdam and
on the 22nd arrived at Cologne. Thence to Weis-
baden and Hombourg with the Sanfords. Parting
with these good friends, I went on the 28th to Nuremburg,
on the 29th to Munich and Augsburg to Lindau and Schaff-
hausen. On the 6th, passing through Zurich and Lucerne,
I arrived at Giessbach on Lake Brientry, thence to Inter¬
laken, Berne and Neufchatel. I arrived in Paris on the
10th of August and remained visiting and sightseeing until
the 1 6th inst., when I went to the Chateau of Giverville,
where I passed a week most charmingly. The 23rd I re¬
turned to Paris, where my cousin Mrs. McLean informed
me of the death of her father, my old friend and my father’s
old friend, Charles Chapman. I heard but a week before
of the death of Isaac Toucy, also the friend of my parents
and my own. The 23rd visited Fontainbleau. 28th re¬
turned to London via Calais. 31st went to Ventnor, Isle
of Wight, via Portsmouth and Ryde. September 1st went

306

[i86g]

to Cowes and Southhampton to Salisbury, visited Stonen-
henge. 2nd went to Liverpool via Bath, Bristol, Glouces¬
ter, Worcester and Birmingham. 4th left on the Java, and
on the morning of Wednesday, September 15th, landed in
New York.

Langham Hotel.

London,

July 7, 1869.

My Dear Wife :

I have just received your letter of the 25th. Yesterday
I went to Mr. Morgan's to dinner at past 7. Met Gen.
Robert E. Schenck and Mr. Walker of Springfield there,
Miss Morgan, Mrs. Morgan, Jr. and Miss M. The house
is beautifully situated, and the rear opens upon a little park
like Grammercv Park only larger. The dinner was in all
respects admirable, and the fruits were strawberries, rasp¬
berries, two kinds of cherries, and pineapple, and grapes,
quite equalling anything New York can do in the way of
fruits. This morning I wrote for the address of your
Uncle Nathan,* Miss Shattuck and Mr. Herbert. I also
left a card for Chief Justice Doyle at the Atheneum Club
and ditto for the Bishop of Nassau at the offices of the Soc.
for the Prop, of the Gospel, etc. Thence I went to the
Courts at Westminster Hall, but soon went into the House
of Commons where I spent five hours very much interested
in a Debate on the Trades Unions. Mr. Hughes, author of
Tom Broun at Rugby was speaking when I went in, and
he spoke well and sensibly. Several prominent speakers
followed. I saw John Bright who has grown old and
stooping a very little in nine years.. I was surrounded by the
officers of the Reform League where I sat in the Gallery.
Shoemakers, masons, joiners, etc., all of them representing
the council of the great Trades unions, and a rough looking
but good-natured set of fellows they were. When they

•Step uncle Judge Nathan Smith.

307

1*869]

found by questions I asked as to what was going on, that I
was an American, they asked about wages we pay, prices of
clothes, flour, etc., if I had seen Mr. Gough lately, whom
they all knew, and then they showed me the photographs of
their officers and council and brought to me the Sect, of the
League, Geo. Howell. These are men who are accom¬
plishing much for their class, and who have vast interests
entrusted to them by hundreds of thousands of working men,
yet they receive nothing, work hard a good share of the
time, and though they were in conference with millionaires
in the House of Commons some of whom came to them in
the gallery, not one of them, though in clean, Sunday suits,
wore clothes that an American mechanic would have con¬
descended to look at.

I have also today received a letter from Sanford urging
me to visit him, saying that if I will telegraph he will meet
me at the depot and take me to his house. I am inclined
to think I shall not go to Brussels for a few days and per¬
haps not until after he has left, as I am disposed to remain
quiet here for the present. I will write you more to¬
morrow.

Friday, July 9th, /6g.

Yesterday I attended on the argument of an appeal at
the House of Lords, then upon an argument of a case before
a committee of that House. Then went to Hyde Park to
see the equestrians on Rotten Row. All the country gentry
are in town, and have brought their saddle horses, and it
was a sight to see at least 2,000 gentlemen, ladies and
grooms following, all well mounted and some of them
riding at full speed.

I then went to the National Academy, to take a look at

the pictures I saw nine years ago with so much pleasure.

Turner by the side of Claude Lorraine, and some of the

master-pieces of Rubens.

* /

In the evening I attended a session of the House of
Lords. Lord Cairns, late Lord Chancellor, was one of the

308

V 86g]

leading speakers. He has not grown old since nine years
ago when he took me to look at the same scene, and standing
up to watch it at the bar of the House. Since then from
a spectator and a hard-working lawyer, he has become an
actor, and comparatively a man of leisure. The present
Chancellor, late Mr. Pagewood, and Lord Chelmsford took
active parts in the debate. •

Some of these hereditary legislators work hard. The
committee I was before, have been from 1 1 to 5 when the
• House meets, taking testimony. None of our committees
work harder. The Chairman, Earl Powis, is a man of 55.
Lord Sidmouth, Abercrombie, and Waterford, who are
with him are all young men. I must close. I hope you
are all well. Write often if but a line.

Love to all,

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Langham Hotel,
London,

Sunday, July n, 1869

My Dear Wife:

I received a letter Thursday afternoon from Mme. de
Giverville, saying she was to leave the next day for some
tonic iron springs, Forge aux eaux, to be absent until Aug.
1, and urging me to come to Giverville then and stay “ as
long as I could or would,” after having visited Holland
and Belgium.

I have had a letter from the Bishop asking me to come
to them at the place where they have gone about 40 miles
from London, also the same from your Uncle Nathan who
is at Bath and has taken his passage home on the steamer
of Aug. 24th, also Mr. Greatorex has invited me to go to
Harrow with him and make a visit at his brother’s place
there, who it seems is the eldest son, and holds the acres.

309

1 I

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aniOD oj 5m qodaifl ar'J moil 19JJ31 fi bed T/sri i

[/Mp]

Hence you see I am pretty well provided for board and
lodging if I should accept all the proffered hospitality.

I was sorry to miss on Friday a call from Mr. Auberon
Herbert, and another from Chief Justice Doyle who must
be in clover here. That morning I called on Mr. Greatorex,
and then went to the most curious place in London, and
where from what I have looked into it (and I believe as an
American they have less jealousy of me than of a country¬
man), there is an immense and unexplored mass of material
for history, — The Herald’s College. I was there nine years
ago, and the official relics of a past civilization gave me
their cards, and this time they made the hours I have passed
there very pleasant.

You drive through an ancient gateway- in the oldest part
of London in a street where but one vehicle can pass which
is not over 6 feet wide. You find a court of about 2 acres
surrounded by old dilapidated looking buildings, the pave¬
ment of the Court and the flights of steps seem to be worn
about out of time. The porter asks you what you want, and
the antedeluvians inside were astounded that I knew thev

had James 1st turquoise mounted sword, and wanted to
. know how I knew it, and step by step I have got a look at
their uncatalogued treasures of relics and manuscripts,
most of which I fancy came to them in stormy times for
safe-keeping, and their title is pretty good for there is not
much chance of the owners coming for them.

After church I called on Mr. Herbert and Judge Doyle
and Mr. Quintun, where I had declined an invitation to
dinner and left a card at Mr. Morgan’s. Judge Doyle and
Mr. Herbert were out. I intend to go to Brussels Tuesday.
I hope you are all well.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

3IQ

[1869]

Brussels, July 19, 1869.

My Dear Wife :

I have just received your letter of July 1, No. 3 for¬
warded to me from London and am glad to hear you are all
well. I am just on the point of leaving for the Hague, after
having passed a week very agreeably here, and making this
my point of departure for exploration of the surrounding
' country.

I have written you all the details of my trip up to Thurs¬
day last. That day I visited in the morning the Courts.
I then drove with Sanford out to Luchen about 4 miles to
the palace where it had been arranged I was to have an
interview with the King. We were received with cere¬
mony and ushered through a double line of servants in livery
to a large room where the officer of the palace was in at¬
tendance. In a few minutes we were ushered into another
large apartment, in the centre of which a handsome man of
35, dressed in the deepest mourning, and at least 6 feet four,
was standing. We had a conversation of half an hour in
English at first, and then in French. The King asked
questions all the while, was well up in most things in re¬
gard to our country, wanted to know how we managed about
women and children working in mines and manufactories.
Spoke of his trouble about it, and said it made “ mauvais
menage ” when the women worked in the mines during the
day and the husbands were driven to pass the evenings at
the cabaret. He said he had been in China and his father’s
illness called him home, or he should have gone to America
then and that he meant to visit America in 3 or 4 years if he
could by that time have his affairs in such a position he
could do so, etc. I told him with pride about our laws and
schools meeting the evils his people suffered by the employ¬
ment of women and children. He said he had never ventured
to attempt the innovation of compelling the peasants to send
their children to school, but he had thought much about it
and how it would benefit the country and that he wished to

[i86g]

see how all these things worked in the United States. He
is evidently a well-informed man and understands and de¬
votes himself to his duties.*

After that I visited a curious collection of paintings and
the Zoological gardens, in which were interesting collec¬
tions of fishes. In the evening the English minister, Sears,
of the Legation, and Wife, dined at Sanford’s.

Friday the 1 6th. I went with Mr.. Sanford’s mother
and Miss Janet Shelton to visit Bruges and Ghent and we
passed a very pleasant day. In fact it has not rained a day
since I have been here.

But the time for me to go to the train and eat my break¬
fast has arrived, and I will tell you all about it in my next
in a day or two. Mrs. Sanford sends her love to you and
hoping you are all well I am,

Yours most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Homburgh Les Blains
Monday, July 26/69.

Mrs. Curtis,
c/o W. E. Curtis,

Watertown, Conn.

U. S. A.

My Dear Wife :

I arrived here Sat. p. m. and have concluded to take a
rest for a couple of days and have just telegraphed to Lon¬
don to have the letters received for the past week while I
have been wandering about forwarded to me here, and I
expect to receive them Wednesday morning.

In the evening Sanford came with his wife, mother,
cousin, child and for servants and the next day we went up
the Rhine to Biberich by steamer. We arrived there about
10 p. m. and drove out in a carriage to Wiesbaden.

*He played Mr. Sanford a mean trick in the Congo speculation which ruined
Mr. S.

3 12

toi .fb I o: )h?rn diov

{I 86g]

These German baths are rather interesting places. All
nations are represented, and just at present the Turks and
the Americans are the greatest gamblers; our countrymen,
Russians, Englishmen, Frenchmen, and Germans predom¬
inate in numbers, and the diversity of manners, language,
toilette and features are quite interesting. Our new diplo¬
matic representatives are all here, engaged in indefatigable
devotion to the cause of the country they represent, and
some of them have with them their wives and their children.
I find here Mr. Washburn, minister to Paris, with his Sec¬
retary of Legation, Moore, of the Century, John Jay and
his family from the Legation at Vienna. Gov. Curtin and
his Secretary who belong at St. Petersburgh, and about a
dozen others. Baron Stoeckl whom you recollect last sum¬
mer at the Pequot House, is also here. Belmont and many
others. The gay shops and ladies of Paris are largely rep¬
resented here and the entire company of the Palais Royal
Theatre play every night, so I infer this place bears some¬
what the relation to Paris that Saratoga does to New York.
The gambling is pretty extensive, and almost as much in¬
dulged in by the women as the men. I think a large pro¬
portion of the people are adventurers, male and female that
make up the gay, floating crowd, and then all the great
unfortunates come here for comfort. Yesterday I saw the
Duke of New Castle, who has left the turf ruined in for¬
tunes, a youngster, you remember his father came over with
the Prince of Wales. He had with him his mother who
ran away with the groom whom she married, after the old
Duke got a divorce, also the groom, now his step-father-,
and their child, his half-sister, about four years old, and
his wife the present Duchess with black eyes and blackened
eyelids, and a lady friend of these precious samples of the
noblest aristocracy in the world. When the groom married
the Duchess, he told the clergyman here who married
them, that he was at a loss how he should ever get on trying
to act the strange part of a gentleman. “ Always wear a

3*3

M J I * , .

;

[/M0]

black coat and always keep your mouth shut,'1 was the re¬
joiner of his spiritual adviser, and they say he has most
faithfully adhered to it.

This morning I went to the springs but could not swal¬
low any of the water. They lie in a beautiful wood ap¬
proached by shady walks and are surrounded by flowers
and on one side a fine conservatory. I saw American white
daisies and mullens receiving the choicest attention of the
gardeners. At one spring the water in a jet completely
covers a large, beautiful boquet But I must close. Mr.
and Mrs. Sanford have desired me to send you their love,
and I hope and pray you are all well.

Love to the boys, and oceans of it to you,

Yours most affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Grand Hotel.

Paris,

Aug. 24th, 1869.

My Dear Wife:

I have just received yours and Willy’s letter of Aug.
6th, and also yours of Aug. 8th, and am sorry to hear that
he is suffering from headache. I suppose Mr. Barton may
as well take his vacation in August as he has no school, and
it seems very questionable if our boys will in any event turn
it to much account, as I fear they will have to vegetate for
the present. Am sorry the cistern, under the influence of
continual rain, has given out, but after using the well for
a few days it must occur to the Celtic genius to clean the
leaves, apples and sticks out of the pipes, so that the water
can flow into it from the roof again when it rains and which
has been done every summer.

I left Giverville yesterday afternoon driving with Mr.
de G. to the station, and arrived here at 5 p. m. and in the
evening called on Mrs. McLean and found them all very

3*4

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. . ■ , : . .- ! nr; tf ufb 03 .0 )b

{i 869]

much distressed by the receipt of the news of the death of
Mr. Chapman, which was quite a surprise to me.

I shall probably leave here in a few days for England
and the time for sailing begins to be near at hand.

On the Friday after I wrote you, I went with Mr. de G.
to Serguigny, the Chateau of the Marquis de Croix, and
breakfasted and passed most of the day there. It is a fine,
old chateau, placed low in a long stretch of meadow, with
a grand avenue of trees, and approached by driving over
the bridge of a moat, kept filled with water surrounding it.
He is a widower with two daughters, Mme. la Marquise de
Caulaincourt, a widow, and Mme. la Comtesse de Dugd-
mar, both young and handsome; (and 60 horses). The
latter I took in to breakfast and sat by the other, and passed
a very agreeable morning. The breakfast had meats for
Protestants, and fish, shrimps, eggs, fruits, pastry, wine, etc.
for people of all faiths. About a dozen persons were pres¬
ent and it lasted an hour and a half. The old Marquis who
is immensely rich and a Senator of France, took us all over
his stables, keeping us some three hours looking at horses,
colts, trotters, etc., and giving us specimens of the speed and
action of his favorites. On our way home we called on a
Mme. La Comtesse de Gauville, who has an interesting
Chateau, and who received us very kindly. She is a widow
and has been beautiful (and looks like Mr. J. M. L. Sco-
vill.) She thinks very much of Mr. de G. as a Christian
and the friend and admirer of her son Comte de Gauville,
whom he has lately been second for, in a duel fought with
swords at the Boise de Vincenne. The next day she came to
Giverville and dined and I was very much interested in her
style, which was a new female revelation. For her, Henry
V is' King, the Pope infallible, the Bourbons heavenly,
modern progress and education the bane of all nations, etc.

Sunday I attended mass in the morning. The ladies in
the family pew were the only ones who wore bonnets, every
other woman in the church wore white caps. After church

315

Ii869]

I was stared at as the general impression was that I must be
black coming from America. From noon to vespers, shops
were opened, market held, meats and grain sold in public,
and after vespers as is the usual custom here, a violin was
brought out and the men and women who had been 12 and
14 hours per day at the harvest danced three mortal hours
on the ground in the open air. This I fancy was the origin
of Church greens. But I must close with much love to you
and the children and to Alla and all.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

(Extracts from letter from Mme. de Giverville)

17th May, 1870.

. I wish Mr. Sanford could get (to) Paris

— he would represent us creditably. (I should go to his
balls). I am sure his salons would be tres frequente — there
is a very pleasant American society in Paris now. The
Washburns have a nice house, Mrs. W. is my cousin but
entre nous she has no “ usage ” whatever, is exceedingly
plain and uninteresting. He is a politician, the superior to
the generality of swaggering westerners. Mr. Sanford wras
cut out for the diplomatic service for he has brains as wrell
as breeding and you have no idea wThat wreight savoir vivre
has even with the statesmen in France — politeness ranks
next to godliness and cleanliness in this land of fine man¬
ners.

Giverville,

- ’7°

Dear friend :

I have been intending to write to you for an age but I
am so dull, I feel as if I w^ere living in a perpetual night¬
mare, all the horrid things that are going on. The Prussians
are in Normandy and I dare say we shall have them here
as this is a very rich and fertile country.

3l6

[iS7o\

All our neighbors are in active service. The Marquis
de Croix being old and unwieldly has gone to Belgium with
his daughter, the fair Marquise, till the war is over (?).
The Senators lost their seats by the fall of the iniquitious
Bonaparte. That hussy, Mathilde, was making away with
diver’s packages which were fortunately seized by the
police and the French public is now regaling itself with
the correspondence of “ Invasion III.” The light thrown
upon the private life and habits of Cesare are not cal¬
culated to obtain for him the admiration or respect of the
present or future. An effete brain prematurely worn out
by excesses; a puppet made to move by the strings of favori¬
tism, a despot with a thousand caprices, “ Napoleon le Se-
duitaire.” If he had only fallen into the abyss with his
advisors and their rottenness, but he has dragged France
with him into the depths of humiliation and ruin. A mil¬
lion of Germans in France, pouring over it with the most
formidable artillery that the world has ever seen, nothing
to resist them, thousands of raw recruits but no brain to
organize, to lead, to impel and give life. France has sinned,
but she is cruelly punished. M. Thiers is going to the
King’s headquarters at Versailles to hold a parley, and we
shall know the result very soon, but the French would rather
bury themselves under the ruins of their country than give
up one iota of territory which would only be a preliminary
step to further concessions and to the acknowledged sov¬
ereignty of Prussia.

I dare say I shall go to America in the Spring. Our
affairs need attention. I shall settle for a year or two
somewhere in the land of my forefathers, New England —
nous verrons.

Write soon. Tell Fred that I received his letter and
shall write him and Alla. If you see Mme. D’Armainville
tell her the Prussians have not yet got into our neighbor-

317

[1870]

hood. I suppose Mrs. Curtis is South. Love to her if she
is not and your children.

Very sincerely yours,

V deG.

Giverville ’71
March 1 6th.

My dear friend :

I received your letter of the 24th Feby a few days ago.
The Prussians invaded Giverville the 23d of January and
remained for fifteen days the Lords of all they surveyed as
I left, and went to a chateau in the neighborhood till the
armistice. The 5th division of cavalry under command of
General de Barbey made a charge on the wine cellar and
the result was a thousand bottles of wine were “ among the
missing.” The soldiers stole all M. de Giverville’s shirts,
boots, coats, pantaloons, hunting dress and so forth. Hay,
fodder of every kind, vanished in a twinkling as there were
three hundred horses to feed. Your room was occupied
by a drunken Surgeon who came near setting fire to the
house. My apartment, fortunately, fell to the Command¬
ant a young Mr. von Veltheim, who behaved like a gentle¬
man and did what he could to preserve order but he was
subordinate to the General and Colonel. The old cook
remained in charge of the house and conducted herself most
gallantly for the General threatened to shoot her if she did
not give them champagne wine — finally he was made to
understand that there was none and shooting a woman would
not add greatly to his military fame. I am an American
and therefore, cannot be suspected of prejudices — (for I
despise the French people and Republicans) but this war
was pillage and rapine organized on a vast scale, all the
valuables stolen by officers high in command are incalcul¬
able. The colonel took my two double harnesses. I am now
obliged to creep about with one beast. Apropos the coupe
was requisitioned to take a wounded officer to Chartres,
forty leagues from here the coachman escaped and brought

318

IrSjo]

back the carriage which otherwise would have gone to
Berlin. The Marquis de Croix sent all his horses to Bel¬
gium. The Marquis de Monsari’s carriages were driven
off and are on their way to Germany. King William is
not responsible for the war, but on his head rests the ini-
quitious manner in which it is carried on — he has sown
dragon’s teeth and with the help of God the French in
twenty years, or less, will take their revenge. The infants
in swaddling clothes are to be trained in those ideas — I
am hoping to have a son to teach him German and ven¬
geance — apropos of counting chickens before they are
hatched. Please find out Dr. Sims’ address in N. Y., and
whether he intends coming to Europe this summer. Dr.
Thomas will know. M. de G. got perfectly well, do not
speak of his illness to any one for it was hypochondria, and
enlisted in M. de Charette’s cavalry — it is a corps com¬
posed of the flower of royalists and if the Lord's annointed
comes to the throne, stands some chance of being favored.
M. de G. was mentioned in the order of the day for gallant
and meritorious conduct and is proposed for the Cross of
the Legion d’honneur much to my satisfaction if he gets it.
I shall send you his photograph as soon as I get it from the
photographer.

Anxiety and separation are not wholesome, I am as thin
as a June shad and as grey as a badger. I think a drive in
the park and a few discussions on conchology would ma¬
terially benefit me. I hope we shall go to America before
very long. My property is getting very valuable, but pro¬
duces taxes principally. I shall have to get rid of some of it.
I enclose an account of Mexican tights which will edify you
and enlighten you on the spiritual condition of Juares’ “ dis¬
tinguished countrymen.'’ Mrs. Curtis will soon be com¬
ing home again. My love for her and the children. I wrote
Fred and Alla a while ago. Give them news of me with
love. Miss Motley married a Mr. Sheridan the other day.
There are quantities of Americans floating about in Lon¬
don Society.

319

I ; ru ' d‘ • n ‘ ? 1 ^

[i87o]

Where are the Sanfords? My sister is well and the
mother of seven living children; I predict twins for you on
my next visit to New York.

Believe me yours sincerely

M. K. G.

M. de G. is still away in Brittany, his corps has not yet
been disbanded. Giverville is beginning to look green and
the avenue is “ picking up.”

I hope the Alabama claims will be satisfactorily settled.
Prussia has kept England idle by holding that threat over
her head. Bismarck says that Bonaparte has not only killed

his dynasty but buried his - For the sake of morality

and justice; let us hope it, for in that family the women
are sans peur and the men sans coeur.

Wednesday, September 29th. Forty-six years old to¬
day.

Thursday, November 1 8th, Thanksgiving. Detained
in New York by the illness of Holbrook, passed the day
with him and his Mother. We were prevented from join¬
ing the other children, who were at Watertown.

Christmas.

Saturday. Beautiful day. Went to see the boys skate
in the morning. Attended Church. Watertown furnishes
more amusements for boys at this season than all the fine
toys and gaiety of New York.

New Year’s, 1870

Made calls with Mr. Kingsbury. About 1 P. M., it
commenced raining and the day terminated in a dismal
storm. Mrs. Curtis came in the evening from Watertown.

Monday, March 21st. Today I assisted as pall-bearer
for my long esteemed friend Julian C. Verplanck. I shall
no more meet, as I have done almost weekly for many years,
this most agreeable friend, whose conversations, remini¬
scences, wonderful culture, and admirable life and princi-

320

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o r i(jn;n5V3 aHt ni omBO eiituD .rrnota

I/M

pies, charmed all who knew him. He died in his 84th
year, without pain, and without metal decay. I cannot
recall in all our long acquaintance, one word that indicated
anything but what the most innocent child could have
listened to, so guileless he seemed to be. The other pall¬
bearers were Wm. C. Bryant, Jas. R. Roosevelt, Fred De-
Peyster, Henry Nicoll, Wm. Kemble, Jas. Thompson and
Thomas Ludlow.

Thursday, September 29th, 1870. I am alone at my
house in town attending the Courts. The summer has
passed pleasantly, though it has been one of unusual heat
and drought. I have remained with my family at Water-
town, such portion of it as I could be absent from the City.
Death has during the interval removed the widow of my
Uncle Robert, a most amiable and excellent lady. Yes¬
terday brought me the intelligence of the death of Benjamin
Rankin at Schaffhausen in Switzerland, for many years my
much loved pupil, assistant and friend. My family have
enjoyed health during the summer, and I am quite well, but
I feel an unusual shrinking, as I see the amount of profes¬
sional labor I have enlisted for the coming months.

Thursday, November 24th, Thanksgiving. Drove with
Mrs. Curtis to Jerome Park in the morning. Dined at
home with the children that were in town.

New York, Sunday, Feb. 5/71

Mrs. W. E. Curtis,

Royal Victoria Hotel,

Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas.

My Dear Wife,

I received your two letters by the steamer yesterday and
was glad to hear you were all well and comfortable. Mon¬
day went to Waterbury — then Watertown, found all well
— saw baby in the morning.

I have dined at home every day since my return and
worked very hard, and shall dine at home today. Thurs-

321

[iS7i]

day evening by a superhuman effort I turned away from my
inviting couch and dressed, and went to the Charity Ball
for about an hour and a half, and a handsome spectacle it
was. Tuesday I have accepted a request to take part in a
dinner, to be given to Mr. Gouverneur Kemble 85 aet. at
the Century. Lads like Wm. C. Bryant and myself will
show honor and reverence for our seniors.

P. S. Dr. Vinton has written me a very pleasant letter
and enclosed Holbrook's drawing of an “ actual scene in
Nassau,” and I should have called again to see him, if he
had not said in his note we should probably meet at the
Century Saturday evening. But he was not there last night,
though I saw him passing into Trinity yesterday as I was
driving by.

I trust when you get back you will condescend to at least
dine with untitled Yanks, though I will try to get some
militia rank, if that will enable me to pass muster. The
baby looked nice and fresh when Ann brought her out.
Remember me to Miss Shattuck.

Ever Affectionately yours,

Wm. E. Curtis.

No. Broadway, New York,
Wednesday, Feb. 8/71.

My Dear Wife,

I have heard from Watertown and as Willy writes he
has indited 5 pages to you I fancy you will get full 6 cents
worth from there .

I saw your Uncle Henry in Court yesterday who in¬
vited me to dine with him on Saturday which I accepted.
Today I dine at Mrs. Stoughton’s. Last night we gave a
little dinner, some twenty of us, at the Century in honor
of Mr. Gouverneur Kemble who has just passed his 85th
birthday. It was a very pleasant affair. Wm. C. Bryant
aet 75 presided and made the opening speech. Mr. Kemble
aet 85 made a long speech in reply. His brother William

322

■

0S7']

told me he never heard him speak before and that it was
his maiden effort. Mr. A. B. Durand, about 76, spoke,
then boys like S. J. Tilden, John Gourley, Pres. Barnard,
etc. West Point was represented by Dr. Metcalfe, Gen’ls.
Cullom, Baldy Smith, Barnard, Webb, etc., mostly Century
men. Mr. Pierson at 80 presided at one end of the table
and spoke. These old associates of Washington Irving and
that class are moving rapidly off the stage, and I rather
regret that I have never accepted any of the hospitable in¬
vitations I have received in past years to country places on
the river, where I should have seen more of them.

But I must close. Shall probably have the weakness to
write you again just before the steamer mail closes.

Gen. Webb told me last night that his father, Gen. Jas.
Watson Webb, goes in the Steamer tomorrow to Nassau
& have 4 rooms engaged months since —

Love to Holbrook.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Journal.

Thursday, Mrs. Curtis and Holbrook sailed in the
Moro Castle for Nassau, where I trust tomorrow's sun will
find them safe and well. I am alone in the City, all the
children being in Connecticut. Intend dining at Mr.
Stoughton’s tonight. Tomorrow is to be devoted to paying
visits, and is the Legal Holiday. The New Year comes
in smiling with sunshine, and I trust will smile on me and
mine, during the continuance as the old year has done, for
which I thank Providence.

Friday, September 29th, 1871. Forty-eight today.
Alone in the City attending to professional duties. The
family are at Watertown, where we have all passed a pleas¬
ant summer, all well. Only left once with Mrs. Curtis and
that was to attend Miss Shattuck’s wedding in Boston.
Putting on my glasses for the first time to write in this
book helps me to realize the flight of time. William is
a freshman at Trinity.

323

ii 8£ DonfiuniJnoo 0A1 gniiub t3nirn
i . ,{' i; s : 'r niqtjS tysb \\

[ l8]I and 1872]

Sunday, November 12th, 187.1. On Sunday, October
1st, I attended Dr. Booth's funeral at Newtown and re¬
turned in the evening. The next evening I left for Roch¬
ester where I actively participated in the proceedings
inaugurated by the Democratic Reform party. The cam¬
paign has since then occupied much of my time, and on
Sunday the 7th instant, I was elected a Judge of the Superior
Court by nominations from all parties, opposed to Tamany.
If I live, and am content to sit on the bench the next four¬
teen years, my professional life I feel will soon close. But
I cannot read the future. I have been ill for the past three
days with a severe cold, which prevents my attending my
Aunt Ann Edmond's funeral at Newtown today. She was
a retiring diffident person, but most amiable, kind and un¬
selfish. Her life was passed in devoted attention to others.
The first portion of her life was spent in making the de¬
scending path smooth and pleasant to her aged parents, and
the rest to her sister Mrs. Booth and her children. And
now when infirmity and long suffering came upon her, those
children have most affectionately cared for her. I am glad
I saw her when I was at Dr. Booth’s funeral and took leave
of her, which somewhat consoles me for not being able to
pay the last tribute of respect to a relative for whom I
always felt a warm attachment, and who is pleasantly as¬
sociated with most of my early recollections.

New Year’s, January 2, 1872. Monday. A mild over¬
cast day. I have driven with Willy making calls a good
part of the day. I see in him so much of myself at that
age. With a hard cold and sore throat, I fancy a sense of
duty rather than of pleasure, has induced me to pay visits
today.

Sunday, June 30th, 1872. Mrs. Curtis and Holbrook
and Randolph went in February to Nassau and returned
the 20th of April, well and having enjoyed the excursion.
Yesterday the Gen. Term adjourned and I am free until
September 20th unless called on to supply some unforeseen

324

• - ; / ' / V | .

o mo3 Jsrlwamo? rforrfvy fi3rt lo

[IS-J2']

vacancy at Special 7 and Chambers. I have some cases yet
to examine and decide, but the mercury has kept in the 90’$
for some days. I have determined to take a vacation and
go to Watertown on Tuesday where all the family are. The
first six months of my judicial life have passed away very
agreeably. I trust that I shall not regret the change.

Sunday, September 29th, 1872. Forty-nine years this
Michaelmas. I am alone in town sitting at Chambers, and
have been since the 11th instant. I have supplied a part
of the vacancy caused by the death of Judge McCann. I
have passed most of the summer with the family at Water-
town. In July I visited Saratoga, and in the latter part of
August I went with Willy to Newport and Narragansett
Pier for a few days. On Thursday Aug. 1st at 2 P. M. my
dear Aunt Mrs. Tomlinson died at Plartford, and I attend¬
ed her funeral on the 5th of August. She was an energetic,
sensible, judicious woman, strongly attracted to her friends
and relatives and always most kind and affectionate to me.
She nursed me when I was a law student and ill with scarlet
fever in New York with a mother's tenderness, and by her
advice and encouragement did much to benefit and en¬
courage me in my early life. She lived into her 90th year,
retaining her faculties, except her eyesight failed to a con¬
siderable extent the last year or two. Her general health
seemed good, but yielded to the unprecedently long and
severe heat of July and terminated in an illness which was
brief and diptheretic in its character. Her death, and the
removal of Mrs. Chapman from Hartford, will break up
a house where, from childhood, I have ever been most kindly
and hospitably entertained.

(Judge Holbrook Curtis was born in 1787. Polly Ann
1782 — She was married at the age of 15 to Isac Tomlin¬
son.)

My oldest son has entered his sophomore year at Trinity
College and my second, Holbrook, has entered the Episco¬
pal Academy at Cheshire.

325

10 3 i r.'V .) I 1 h •

■

\.i873\

Sunday, January 12th, 1873. Life passes quietly. Many
friends leave the world whom I have been in the habit of
frequently meeting. From the Century, Dr. Lieber, Ken-
sett, Ino H. Priestly, and others I might enumerate who
have recently died. My new duties are agreeable and I
like the change. Thanksgiving and Christmas were passed
in New York with my family. New Year’s I went to Wash¬
ington to break up a lingering cold by a change of air and
scene, and I succeeded.

Tuesday, February 1 8th, 1873. Having a brief vaca¬
tion, and my oldest son and myself being advised to try a
little change of air, we started at 1 P. M. for Florida by
rail. Found on the train the Italian Minister whom I had
met at Newport, a very agreeable and cultivated man. He
gave me some interesting accounts of his diplomatic ex¬
perience at Madrid in the time of the late Queen. Reached
the Arlington House at Washington at 1 1 P. M. Wednes¬
day, February 19th. Took the first boat down the river
since the ice broks up, moving in the freshet amid acres of
driftwood. At 3 P. M. reached Richmond via Quantico.

The rest is omitted — descriptions of scenery.

New York Superior Court,

Judges’ Chambers, New Court House,
New York, May 27, 1873.

My Dear Wife:

After dinner yesterday I called at your Uncle Thomas’
and found your Aunt apparently far from well. Your Uncle
Thomas appeared in good condition, though I see some
of his lawsuits are decided adversely. Slept with windows
open last night, it was so warm, but in spite of that I caught
cold in my head. They always strike the weakest part.

Willy came to the house just as I was leaving, very much
refreshed, he said, with his visit to the Delafields.

It is cooler today. I have accepted an invitation for
Wednesday again to meet William Richards, Chief Justice

326

of Canada, but I distrust my capacity to stand dining out in
this way. This is at Mr. Albert Matthews’ house.

I hope you are all well.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

P. S. Am writing in Court. Samuel McLean arrived
yesterday from Liverpool. Many people have already gone
out of town. Half the houses about are empty, and ap¬
parently all will soon be so. I am too modest to carry round
the plate, that is too lame, at St. George’s, so don’t be too
much set, you and Alla, at having another indifferent vestry¬
man in the family.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Trip with his son William

Tuesday Aug. 26. We went by rail to Halifax, N. S.
Saw hundreds of trees prostrated on the sides of the moun¬
tains by the storms of the two previous days. Wednesday
we visited the Citadel, Public Buildings, the Point and
Forts.

Friday Aug. 29th. We visited Trin. Church. Saw the
tablets, among others to Wm. Scoville, the Canon’s Father.
Went with him to the old burial place of many of the emi¬
nent Loyalists and in the evening attended a play by the
officers of the Halifax garrison, and very well done for ama¬
teurs. The next day I drove with Dr. Keator to many
places of interest, and in the evening attended a Scovill
family supper and dancing at the former’s residence. Sun¬
day, Aug. 31, drove to Rothesay and dined with Mr. Dom-
vill, M. P., at his residence, Kinghurst, and attended
Church there. Mrs. Domvill was a Miss Scovill. In the
evening we called at Canon Scovill’s, Dr. Keator’s, Mr.
Thorne’s and Mr. Jas. Scovill’s and the next morning left
for Bangor. Here we passed the night. Thence to Boston
where I found Randolph and took him to St. Paul’s School,

327

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V873]

Concord, whence I returned to Watertown the evening of
Thursday Sept. 4th.

Sunday, Sept. 28. I am in town sitting at Chambers
after a long summer’s vacation. After attending Com¬
mencement at Trinity College and also the College Regatta
at Springfield, I remained quietly at Watertown until Aug.
18, when I went to Boston. Thence I went to St. John,
N. B. via Bangor, arriving Wed. p. m., Aug. 20, passing
most of the way after leaving Bangor through a forest of
evergreens. Thursday I went with the Rev. Canon Wm.
Scovill and my son on the steamer which conveyed the
Vice Regal party to the Regatta and thence on an excursion
into the Bay of Funday. The next day we went to Frede¬
ricton, visited Govt. House and Gov. Wilmot, the Univer¬
sity, Cathedral, Gibsons Village and Church and took tea
with the Simons family. Saturday we returned by boat to
St. John, a most charming trip. Sunday Aug. 24th, a me¬
morable storm raged with great destruction upon the coasts.
Attended Church and dined with Canon Scovill and went
with him to service, driving across the suspension bridge
shaking and swaying in the gale. Monday we went to
Kingston, still delayed by it in crossing the ferry to the vil¬
lage. Saw the old Church where three generations of Sco-
vills have officiated. Dined with Rev. Wm. Elias Scovill.
Saw the graves of the old Loyalists in the Church yard to
whom the Rev. Jas. Scovill preached after he left the
Church at Waterbury.

Monday, Sept. 29, 1873. Fifty years of life have sped.
Henceforth, the journey is on the declining path. Serenly,
complacently, patiently and endeavoring to do my duty,
may I await and meet the inevitable result.

.Friday Dec. 19th. The Courts are about closing for the
Christmas vacation. Thanksgiving, Nov. 27th, was passed
at home. On Sunday Dec. 7th, Wm. Edmond Armitage,
Bishop of Wisconsin, died, aged 43 years. He was an
amiable, scholarly, sensible, able prelate and will be missed

328

[1873 and 1874]

in the Church. His grandmother, Mrs. Col. Starr of Dan¬
bury, Conn., was the half-sister of my Mother, hence his
name of Wm. Edmond.* In early life he was much at
Watertown and until later years I have seen him often and

was much attached to him and was looking forward to some
period when I would be able to renew our old associations,
but it is now too late.

Yesterday was the funeral of Judge Samuel Nelson for
whom I entertained no ordinary feelings of attachment and
reverence, but he was over 80 vears of age and had retired
some months from active life. His work here was com¬
pleted when the summons came for him. He was on the
Bench of the Supreme Court of this State when I was ad¬
mitted to practice in May, 1846.

209 E. 15th St.,
June 5/74.

My Dear Wife,

Your letter of June 3, mailed June 4th, arrived last
evening. I dined with Dr. Roemerf at the Windsor and
when I left the 5th Ave. was so blockaded with carriages
at Miss Sterling's wedding in the Church that we were
delayed. Your cards came too late to send. I sent mine
and altered one to Mrs.

Judge Foot has just called, and dines with me at half
past six and goes with me this evening to Mr. Van Winkles
reception given Mr. Jno. Jay.

I hope you all keep well.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

*She was the Polly of great-grandfather Edward’s letters.

fA great friend of my fathers. A very' learned man whose parentage nobody
but my father ever knew but he was related to one of the royal families in Europe.

329

i . i >ill nr.

2 ir! oon r fis»rlroI nn lo isfciz-Ufirf ?£// rnno tyi ud

■

[1874]

Monday,

14 W. 20th St.

My Dear Wife,

I suppose I shall get your Sunday letter tomorrow, and
I feel quite anxious to know how you all are.

Yesterday I took a walk in the middle of the day up the
Avenue with Gen. Cullam, but it was hot and rainy at the
same time. In the afternoon I drove alone to the Park,
and on my return, found Mr. Stoughton had been there and
left a card asking me to dine with him at 6 p2 and saying
7 would do. When I reached the house I found an English
official and his wife going in. and I was told by the servant
the dinner would be at 7, so I returned to the house and
donned my white choker and dress coat. The guests were
all English except Gen. McDowell and myself. There
were two of Sir Ed. Thornton’s Secretaries of Legation
from Washington, and Captain Gore Jones and his wife,
the former a cousin of Lord Dufferin and whose mission
here is to inspect every thing in relation to military and
naval affairs. He has been engaged already two years, part
of the time in California, his wife accompanying him.
I have been in Court all day. The weather has become
cooler and I think we shall have a pleasant change for the
week.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Sunday, June 14, 1874. Christmas and New Years
passed as heretofore. My time has been constantly occu¬
pied in the discharge of judicial duties during the years
until now, when I look forward to rest and vacation in
Washington for three days with Willy, but passed a share
of the time in writing and examining in the Law Library
at the Capitol.

Thursday, Sept. 17th. On the 23rd of June, last, I
purchased house No. 14 West 20th St. During the summer
some repairs have been made and I now hope to soon re-

330

J ' O

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U874]

move there. I am attached to my old residence, but the
progress of the Teutonic and Celtic colonies northwards
compels me to leave. I am the first of my family that has
moyed away from the house he commenced his married life
in, as far as I know, but I keep the old house at Watertown.

The summer has been a cool and delightful one. We
have passed it at Watertown very pleasantly. Willy has
now gone to Trinity, Senior year. Holbrook has just en¬
tered Yale, the scientific course and Randolph and Kings¬
bury have gone to St. Paul's school, Concord. I have been
here the past two weeks at Chambers. It has been very hot
every day and is my first realization of actual summer. It
has been a prolonged spring at Watertown.

Tuesday, Sept. 29th, 1874. Fifty-one years of age to¬
day. A stormy, dark day. Yesterday evening I came to
town with Mrs Curtis to make some arrangements about
moving into our new house. I feel reluctance as the day
approaches, at the idea of quitting the abode where I have
passed the best years of my life. I trust that a kind Provi¬
dence will continue wherever I am, to bless me with his
bounties and to make me worthy to receive them.

Thursday Oct. 15, 1874. Slept for the first time at my
new domicile, 14 West 20th, very soundly with the turmoil
and trouble of moving. Sorry to leave the house where the
best years of life have been passed.*

Thursday Nov. 26th. Thanksgiving Day. Willy and
Holbrook home from College for the occasion which passed
very pleasantly.

Christmas. Willy, Holbrook, and Randolph and
Kingsbury from St. Paul’s School, all home for Xmas. A
noisy happy crowd of hungry lads.

Here is a letter from my mother. 1874 or 1875

*There was a German band in the boarding house next door in 15th Street
that was the last straw which drove them out. In some respects they were never
as comfortable in the 20th Street house.

331

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VS74\

To Randolph and Kingsbury.

St. Paul’s School, Concord. N. H.

14 West 20th St.,
Sunday.

My darling boys,

Does it not seem good to be able to say next week we are
coming home. We have not had any cold weather here to
last more than a few hours, so it is hard to realize you have
ice and snow in Concord.

Sanford went to the Mayor’s funeral, so he will be able
to tell you all about it when you come home. I doubt if
he has time to write.

Mary Kingsbury went home yesterday afternoon. Pa¬
pa was expecting to go to Hartford yesterday morning to
a Trustees’ meeting, but he was taken sick Friday night and
was confined to his room all day. He is better but has not
Feen out today. He has to begin court again tomorrow and
has no more vacation until Christmas. I have not heard a
word from Holbrook since he went back after Thanks¬
giving.

It will be dark when you arrive Friday night, so per¬
haps San* will not be able to meet you at the train, but you
can come down in a Madison Ave. stage. That is the best
:and brings you the nearest.

A good hug for both of you. Remember me to Mr.
Knox. Find out if he expects to be in New York during
•vacation.

Your loving mammy,

M. A. Curtis.

•Sanford.

332

/I” l> r . / J .

11874]

Sunday, Apr. 30.
New York.

F. Randolph Curtis,

St. Paul's School
(from Sanford Curtis)

Dear Old Ran ;

I hope you and King are well, and that you will for¬
give me for not having written before, but I came to New
York about 2 weeks ago.

(H is Diary to show Ran what he was doing in New
York.)

Wednesday.

Left a dirty hole commonly called “ Pine Meadow”;
arrived safely l/2 past one and found Mama would arrive
at 4 P. M. so I ate my lunch and went to see Aunty Alla
and the girls who were in town at the Everett House —
went and bought some flowers for Mama, some violets,
Heliotrope, and so forth and put in her vases in her room,
then sat down to wait her arrival. In a little while a car-
raige drove up and Lena and May — Mama — came
out. “ ! ! ! ! ! ” She did not know I was coming

until the next day.

Sunday.

Went to the Holy Com. in the morning and in the P. M.
Jack and I went to the 27th Anniversary of St. Georges
Sunday School.

Monday.

Missed you very much (Superlative) . Went to a col¬
lection of old china. (Bought several nice pieces for —
Aunt Maria ($5.75) Aunty K. ($3.50) and one very han-
some little custard cup for Mama to be given to her on her
birthday May 30th, from (you) and I. It cost $1.75. If
wish to give / please send me your I. O. U. for J4 im¬
mediately.

333

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17*75]

Saturday.

Went to the Central Park with Mary, Bee and Mama.

Towards eve., called on Misses Van - . In the evening,

called on Maria Bates and found four or five boys there too,
and about four or five girls. The first I knew the gas was
turned out and the boys were all kissing the girls “ of
course ” I was too Bashful to do it and it lasted for 15 min¬
utes and then commenced again for 15 more for 2 hours,
spent a very pleasant evening. Came home at 9:30 o’clock.
This morning I went to the Holy Com. and this Eve I dine
at Mr. Caswells. Going to a dance on Friday at Maria
Bates. Give my best love to King and yourself. Remem¬
ber me to all the bovs and teachers.

With much love,

E. Sanford Curtis

Journal W. E. C.

Sunday, October 10, 1875. Was present at Willy’s
graduation at Trinity, July 1. Passed the summer quietly
at Watertown until Sept. 7th, when I held Court in New
York until Sept. 1 8th. Weather very hot. Sept. 20th,
left Watertown and went to the White Mountains with
Willy.

Friday, Oct. 29th. Mrs. Charlotte McLean died, a
much beloved kinswoman. A year and a half younger than
myself. We were thrown together from early childhood
until her last illness. She was a most exemplary, kind
woman, and of sparkling wit and amiable disposition.

Wednesday, Oct. 17th. Miss PJarriet E. Powell died
at Mrs. Kingsbury’s, while visiting there. She was an in¬
mate of Mr. Scovill’s family and the instructress of Mrs.
Kingsbury and Mrs. Curtis in their childhood and has
taught my children and been an inmate of my family much
of the time the past 13 years. She was discreet, sensible,
well informed and passed a useful life in the shadow of
great grief.

334

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■

[7^75 a”d /<?/£]

Monday, Nov. 22. The Courts adjourned this morning
upon receipt of the intelligence of the death of Vice-Presi¬
dent Wilson. During his last sojourn in New York, a little
over three weeks since, we dined with Mr. Harris at the
Union Club. He was in good spirits and cheered with the
return of health, but I saw at times the weary blank look
on his face for an instant that told the storv that disease was
upon him. The next morning, though he had gone from
the table to speak at a public meeting, he was in fine spirits
and seemed glowing with his former health and vigor.

To my surprise he told me that evening, that $8,000 was
the most he was ever worth, and that he should esteem
himself fortunate if he could realize $6,000 at the present
time by selling all he had, and this he said “ is all I have
to show after twenty-one years of public service,” and it is
more than he needs and take with him. But he possessed
the respect and affection of thousands who appreciated his
kind, warm, honest heart and generous nature.

Thursday, Nov. 25. Thanksgiving. All the children
at home, all well, and the day passed pleasantly.

Christmas.

All well, and twelve of the Curtis name sat down to din¬
ner. This includes Mr. Cyrus Curtiss* and his wife and
son, and daughter-in-law. A pleasant reunion.

New Year’s, 1876.

The Commencement of the Centennial Year. A
charming, sunny, beautiful day, too warm for an overcoat.
Called on many friends with my son, W.

Sunday, Feb. 20, 1876. Thus far a mild winter, no
skating as yet in the Park and but two days sleighing. Mrs.
Curtis, and Willy left Tuesday, Jan. 25, for St. Augus¬
tine. They are situated very pleasantly there, and
Willy, their escort arrived on the steamer from Charles¬
ton a week ago Saturday morning after a smooth passage.

•No relation but great friends.

335

Jnpitmnwiuno ;

Friday, March 17, 1876. Died in Brooklyn at the
house of Sam. McLean, Mrs. Sarah Chapman, widow of
the late Hon. Charles Chapman, aged 75 years. She was
my only remaining first cousin on my father’s side and the
mother of Mrs. McLean, whose death I recorded a few
weeks since. My relatives are fast leaving and old age and
death daily creep nearer. In Mrs. Chapman I lose a life¬
long friend and a much attached kinswoman. From my
earliest recollections she is associated with my past life at
Watertown, and then at College, in Brooklyn and in New
York, and also with much of my son’s college life. She
had her faults which all sprung from her ardent partizan-
ship and attachment to the friends or to the political cause
with which she was allied. She died painlessly and hope¬
fully.

Sunday, March 28. Mrs. Curtis and children returned
from Florida and South Carolina the latter part of April
with Holbrook who went to Aiken to escort them back.
All the family went last week to Watertown and are now
there.

14 W. 20th St., New York,

2 P. M., Thursday, April 3/76.

My Dear Wife,

Excerpts

I am at the Library at work, as I shall be for some days.
Taking a walk this morning, I saw a great crowd of the
roughest class of people gazing at A. T. Stewart’s house
and waiting to see the funeral. Suppose they find it hard to
believe that a man who can conquer millions cannot escape
death.

Mr. Sherman is making his garden next door, and you
will find things on your return very different from last
January. Send me a sweet jessamine flower in your next
letter. I hope you are all well. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

336

Friday, June 2. Willy became of age to-day. There
was a little gathering at Mrs. Kingsbury's home in honor
of the event. I went to Connecticut to be present, and at¬
tended with Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Randolph. The latter
welcomed, also, his advent 21 years ago.

Tuesday, July 4, 1876. At 12 last night, I heard the
salutation given the new century of the Republic, bells,
cannon, steam whistles, music, fireworks, shouts and singing
broke out in one grand chorus of welcome. I stood at the
time on the roof of the high building at the N. E. Co. of
4th Ave. & E. 15th St. The general illuminations of the
buildings were fine, but that of the buildings immediately
surrounding Union Square was magnificent. The vast pro¬
cession bearing torches and the faces of acres of human
beings lighted up by every form of fire works added im¬
posing features to the scene.

A hundred years ago, my grandfather, Wm. Edmond,
of whom I saw a good deal in my boyhood was in Yale Col¬
lege, destined to be crippled for life in the conflicts of the
then impending struggle. My father’s father had a Lieu¬
tenant’s Commission sent to him in one of the Loyalist
Regiments in New York, and was hunted for months in the
forests like a wild beast. The Episcopalians were mostly
attached to the Crown in Connecticut. My wife’s ancester,
an Epis. Clergyman, “ The Rev. James Scovill,” was badly
persecuted and ultimately with several sons joined the
American Loyalists at St. John, N. B. and passed the re¬
mainder of his life in that province. A hundred years have
hardly sufficed to erase from the older portions of the coun¬
try, the memory of wrongs inflicted, and acts of cruelty and
injustice committed during the, to some extent, civil war of
the Revolution. Who will live to see the veil of forgive¬
ness and oblivion covering the bitter remembrances of the
late Civil War?

Friday, Sept. 22, 1876. The summer vacation has passed
away tranquilly. I held Court a few days in July and in

337

■

, I

Sept., and the death of Chief Justice Monell called me to
town the ist of Aug. My reading has been Caesar's Com¬
mentaries, Life of Macaulay and of Geo. Ticknor and I
have prepared and delivered two addresses, one at the Bar
meeting called on Chief Justice Monell's death, Aug. 8th,
and the other at the reunion of the Survivors of the 2nd.
Conn. Heavy Artillery at Watertown, Sept. 13. Tuesday,
last, I visited the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia
and passed several hours much interested and gratified. In
the evening I returned to New York, and Wednesday I
attended Prof. Charles Davies’ funeral at Fishkill Landing.
I received instruction from him when I was a student at
Trinity College. My acquaintance with him and his family
was renewed when I commenced practice and from the time
of my marriage to his niece, at which he was present twenty-
five years ago the second day of this month, he has been ever,
one of my firm and abiding friends. He was by nature,
kind, affectionate, enthusiastic and devoted to his friends.
As an instructor at West Point and elsewhere, and as a
soldier and a mathematician his record is distinguished.
So pass away the friends of my youth! Perhaps his ad¬
vent into the next world will bring him a welcome there
from Gen. Scott and hosts of his departed old friends who
have preceded him in the inevitable journey.

Friday, Sept. 29, 1876. Fifty-three today. A beautiful
morning. Drove with Mrs. Curtis from Watertown to
Naugatuck. Bought a pair of horses. Lunched at Mr.
Kingsbury’s. Leave tomorrow for New York to commence
my year’s work. Have passed a pleasant summer. Family
have been well, but the poor Bishop of Nassau was with
us very sick for six weeks and I fear he will never regain
his health. My journal of more than 30 years is almost
finished, perhaps I am. May I be ready for whatever
comes.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1876. Was elected by my associates,
Chief Justice.

338

Henry Holbrook Curtis

Francis Randolph Curtis

William Edmond Curtis

Frederick Kingsbury Curtis

Eustace Sanford Curtis

;

}

[1876 and 1877]

Thursday, Nov. 30th. Thanksgiving Day. Passed very
quietly at home.

Christmas. A wintry day. At church in the morning.
All the family at the dinner table. May we so meet the
coming year.

New Years, 1877. Made calls with my son, William,
driving very comfortably, but as night approached a severe
and heavy snow storm interfered with the pedestrian callers.

Wed. Jan. 31, 1877. Reached Washington at n p. m.
the next day was at the Capitol when the counting of votes
for President commenced, but could not enter the hall as
we had no tickets. Dined with Henry S. Sanford and went
in the evening to Mr. Secretary Cadwallader's reception.

Friday morning we passed in the Treasury Building.
In the afternoon we returned to New York. Willy accom¬
panied me and enjoyed the dissipation and sight seeing.
Mercury about 60 all the time we were in Washington.

Saturday, April 20, 1877. On Sat. Feb. 24, Mrs. Curtis
and Mary left for Nassau via Savannah. They returned
to Savannah some days since and are now en route north
tarrying at Charleston and intend to reach New York early
next week if the weather is pleasant.

In the afternoon we were at Pres. Grant’s reception.

Sunday, June 10th. On the 1st of this month, my son
Wm. E. Curtis was sworn in and commenced practice as an
attorney, being associated in partnership with Mr. Stearns,
who succeeded to my professional business. We are all
well. Mrs. Curtis and the little girls at Watertown, and
the boys at school and college, preparing for their summer
vacations and examinations. I shall hold jury trials and
remain here during this month.

Saturday, Sept. 29, 1877. Fifty-four today. Came from
Watertown to the City to resume my duties on Monday.
The summer has sped pleasantly, all the family have con¬
tinued in fair health. Mrs. Curtis will join me in a few
days.

Thursday, Nov. 29th. Thanksgiving. Passed at home

339

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.rilnom girl) gnnub oiot nicrrm

[■ i§78 ]

Judges Chambers, New Court House.

New York, Mch 16th, 1878.

My Dear Wife —

I have not heard from Sanford the last few days — Ran¬
dolph goes tomorrow to visit him —

I was at the breakfast this morning, given to Bayard
Taylor, by a score or so of us at the Century Club. It was
a very pleasant affair.

Tonight I have promised to dine at Dr. Thomas’ and
go with them to see Solon Shingle, or some Solon. Thurs¬
day evening I called at “ No. 6 ” and had a very pleasant
visit. Last night I left a card at the Delafield’s who were
out, and called at Dr. Thomas’ and after that went to Mr.
Hamersley’s until 12, and today I have resumed or re¬
newed the task of dissipation, to my sorrow.

Love to all.

Yours Affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Judges Chambers, New Court House,

New York, Mch 19th, 1878.

My Dear Wife,

Mr. Kingsbury is with me and in pursuance with your
letter I expect Willy tonight. I have just called on Mr.
Clift who has been confined to the house by illness the past
two weeks, rheumatism.

Mr. Cyrus Curtis seems to be getting much better.

Mr. Kingsbury left them all well at Waterbury. He
says Sanford was down on Saturday so I suppose he is get¬
ting on well.

I have accepted three dinner invitations since yesterday
A. M., viz. Mr. & Mrs. Burnham for the 20th, Mr. E.
Parsons for the 22d, Judge Van Horn for the 28th. So you
see I am gradually returning to habits of dissipation.

340

- '

U8?8]

The day is lovely, and as yet we have no March weather.
I intend to have the wooden steps removed, and I do not
recall one day when they have been necessary this winter
for our comfort or safety.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Christmas. A fine day. At Church in the morning.
All the children and Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury and their
children dined with us in the evening, and Mrs. M. Helena
Curtis also. May we all meet next year.

■ New Year’s, 1878. A clear cold day. The past month
has been fine weather and no snow and but a day’s rain.
Saw dandelions on the Central Park three days after Christ¬
mas. Passed the day driving with Willy and making calls
on numerous friends. Have had no fire in the furnace,
weather being so mild.

Judges Chambers, New Court House,

New York, Mch. 24th, 1878.

My Dear Wife,

We have a warm moist day which is agreeable after the
long term of dry weather. We have never had such a de¬
lightful March in my recollection. You will see by the
papers the death of Mrs. Edmond Randolph Robinson.
Mr Godkin told me she died in confinement after two days
illness.

I dined Friday night at Mr. Parsons’. The guests were
as follows:

Mrs. Parsons, Peter Cooper, Geo. Morgan, W. E.
Dodge, Jr., W. E. Curtis, Major Mill am, R. A., Late Secy.
McCullough, Judge Noah Davis, Mr. Mann, Judge In¬
galls, Rev. Dr. Adams, Mr. Parsons.

Dr. Adams told many amusing anecdotes and it was a
very pleasant dinner.

341

rt ■ ~

W78]

Last night I called on your Aunt Sarah and told them
some of Dr. Adams’ stories, which seemed to amuse the
Misses Stuarts, who found in them a good Presbyterian
flavor. I then looked into the Century for half an hour and
returned home to bed.

Willy went to Sunday School this morning and is now
at Church. I shall be glad to receive Mary’s letter love to
her -

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Judges Chambers, New Court House.

New York, Mch. 28th, 1878.

My Dear Wife,

We have a mild warm rain this afternoon .

We spent last evening at the Coleman’s very agreeably.

Judge Sanford lunched with me today and I said I
would dine with him on Saturday. Mrs. Robinson’s child
he said was now very ill.

I saw Mr. Delafield last night as I looked into the
Union Club on my way home. He said he was very sorry
Mrs. D. did not go with you, and that she was now in

Philadelphia .

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Judges Chambers, New Court House.

New York, Mch. 29, 1878.

My Dear Wife —

We had a very pleasant dinner at Judge Van Vorst’s
last night. John Thomas was the Chef at the table.
Judges Sedgwick, Curtis, Freedman, Speir Potter, Davis &
Porter were present and Mrs. Van Vorst, Mrs. Hilton and
Mrs. V. V.’s mother, whom I have met at your Aunt Ma-

342

Ii8?8]

ria’s and who told me the condition of the latter was very
critical, never having been as much reduced before as now.

• •••••

Judge Speir and his family came in five days by steamer
from Havana and arrived last Fridav much benefited he
says by the jaunt.

Judge Davis and Judge Brady go to Europe the ist of
May.

Weather here is bright and pleasant after the gentle rain
of yesterday.

Love to Mary.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Saturday March 30, 1878. The winter has passed

pleasantly. It has been mild and healthy. Mrs. Curtis
went to Savannah early this month and will remain south
until the middle of April.

Sunday May 12, 1878. Mrs. Curtis returned April nth,
in much improved health. On the 20th, I went to Wash¬
ington passing a week there very pleasantly taking Hol¬
brook with me. Yesterday I received intelligence of the
death, on that day, of the Hon. Samuel A. Foot, with whom,
for many years I had a business connection. The mention
appears in the entry in this volume of May 13th, 1832. The
arrangement was beneficial and satisfactory. Our relations
were never disturbed by the slightest cloud. I now bid
adieu to my venerable and good friend.

Judges Chambers, New Court House.

New York, Mch. 30th, 1878.

My Dear Wife,

Last night I called at Dr. Thomas’, found them in, then
went to Mr. Hamersley’s, found there Generals Prince,
Cullum, Cesnola, de Peyster, Prof. Waterhouse, Hawkins,
Talboys of British Legation, Prof. Crosby, Paul Forbes,

343

.noilosnnoD mniiud c bsH I ei xn&tn ioi

.bfloii boog bns aldsiarm oj usibfi

[/«

Paul Du Chaillou, young Hamersley of Hartford, and two
or three that I did not know. Came away with Du
Chaillou, and walked home, the longest walk in two weeks.

• •••••

Things are much depressed here and property appears
to be going from bad to worse. Waterhouse Hawkins is
pretty destitute. Dr. Thomas says it begins to hurt the
doctors. People do not send for them as they did.

Love to Mary. I shall answer here letter soon.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Judges Chambers, New Court House.

New York, Apl. 3, 1878.

My Dear Wife,

I have only time to say we are all well. The weather
is as fine as one could dream of.

The Park beginning to glow with flowering shrubs, and
carpeted with verdure.

The Kingsbury girls are here, and they had a parlor
full of beaux last night to entertain.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

14 No. 20 St.,
Oct. 14/78.

My Dear Wife,

I hope you found all well on your arrival at Water-
town and that you have not taken cold in consequence of
the sudden change to cooler weather.

I looked in at Mr. Robert L. Stewarts’ for a little while
last evening, and then went to the Century. Met many
persons we know there, and was in bed before eleven
o’clock. This morning a little before nine I started for
Mr. Delafield’s. The day has been very beautiful, and I

344

. • . h;.d u yi : , ii -

no Itaw Ik bnuol uo^ aqori I

reached there in time to meet and accompany them to
Church. I had the pleasure of listening to a very eloquent
extempore sermon from the Bishop of Kentucky. Called
at F. Good ridges1 on our way from Church.

After lunch Mr. & Mrs. D. and myself walked over the
ground of some of the finest of the neighboring places,
which are all beautiful, and returned in time for dinner,
left at 8 P. M. and reached here at 9:30 only breaking our
trot up the hills. The moon threw the gas lights in the
shade and the drive both ways was very delightful. So
much for my day’s experience.

Found Mrs. Delafield who was with Mr. D. from Cana¬
da much improved but she seemed low spirited. Mr. D’s.
mother and sister were there, both very agreeable, the for¬
mer one of the brightest and best educated women I ever
met.

I will add to this if anything presents in the morning.
Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Judges Chambers, New Court House.

7:30 P. M. New York, Oct. 20, 1878.

My Dear Wife,

Yesterday I staid in the house except to drive Mr. Wm.
P. Powers to the Park late in the afternoon. My solar sys¬
tem was damaged by the decayed oysters the butcher pro¬
vided Margaret with for our Friday’s fasting.

Love to Mary & Bessie.

I am yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Saturday June 14th, 1878. I have just come from the
funeral of my old friend, Wm. Cullen Bryant. He died
on Thursday, aged 83. We were pall bearers at Mr. Ver-

345

[ l8jS and l8jQ]

planck’s funeral 8 years ago. How those whose society
charmed me at “ The Century ” have passed away. My
journal is a mortuary record. There leavetakings are fre¬
quent, and mine will come how soon?

My son, Holbrook, went to Europe per steamer Abys¬
sinia on Wednesday to pursue his professional studies. He
accompanies Dr. Francis Bacon, of New Haven, in whose
office he is a student.

Sunday, Sept. 29, 1878. Fifty-five years old today.
Am at Watertown where the summer vacation has passed
away pleasantly. All well.

Sunday, Nov. 17th. Attended Trinity College Trus¬
tees’ meeting in the New Buildings yesterday. Saw three
columns standing, all that remained of the old chapel and
Buildings. Family removed here from Conn, two weeks
ago yesterday.

Monday, March 3, 1879. On the 27th of Nov. I was
taken ill with an abscess of the right ear. Suffered much
pain. Erysipelas of the head commenced Dec. 8th and
continued for several weeks with increased pain and total
blindness from the swelling of my face for about a week.

I am now better, drive out in a closed carriage every
day and hope to walk out soon. I have suffered great pain
and am grateful to kind Providence that I am no worse.

Thursday, April 7th, 1879. The TIt^ °f March I left
for Charleston. I remained until the 11th of April, when
I left for New York arriving at 10:30 p. m., April 12.
Mrs. Curtis and Mary accompanied me. Am strengthened
and refreshed by my journey, but not cured. It seems cold
and wet here after a month of sunshine and warm weather.
I hope in a few days to resume my public duties.

3rd. Journey to Europe.

May 7, 1879. Left New York with my son, William,
on board the Scythia and arrived in Liverpool on the 17th
after a very tranquil and pleasant passage. Made a plea-

346

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bloD tl .bairn Jon Kid ,yomuo \ ym yd bodzailoi bnc

■ r: 3 n i dO ‘ ) > /. v/ >> a fil >.; .1 i

Judge William Edmond Curtis

[^79]

sant visit at Oxford. Passed 9 days in London. May 31st,
went to Paris. June 9th, went to Geneva. July 10th, went
to Neufchatel and thence to Basle and July nth to Heidle-
berg. 14th inst. to Mayence, 15th to Cologne, 1 6th to Brus¬
sels, 2 1 st inst. to London, crossing the Channel in a wild
storm. Ill in London. 26th inst., went to Brighton. 30th
inst., went to Ventnor, Isle of Wight. Aug. 4th, went to
Salisbury. 7th went to Leamington, nth inst., went to
York. 1 2th inst., to Edinburgh, 1 6th to Keswick and 21st
inst. to Liverpool. Sailed for New York Aug. 30th, and a
stormy passage with head winds; we reached home Sept.
2nd. All well but Sanford.

White Hart Hotel,
Salisburv.

Wednesday, Aug. 6th, 1879

My Dear Wife :

I was made happy this morning by the receipt of yours
of July 24th and 25th from Block Island. I was glad to
learn of your renewed health, and hope you will stay there
as long as you receive benefit. Don't be afraid of growing
stout, in fact you and Alla look the better for it. I wish
I could have been at Block Island with you, but I do not
intend to bother about what I cannot help. Monday we
went by sail to Cowes, then by steamer to South Hampton
and thence by rail to this place. I had not forgotten this
cathedral which pleases me the most of any, but yet I found
so much to admire that I overlooked before, that I feel that
I am fully compensated. Tuesday- W. and I drove nine
miles out to Stonehenge over the plains and hills of Salis¬
bury, seeing multitudes of black-faced sheep feeding on the
grass, and watched by weather-beaten shepherds and shep¬
herdesses, most of them eating large slices or chunks of
bread. Not romantic. We returned passing the ancient
Saxon and Roman fortified hill of old Sarum. This morn¬
ing W. and I drove 12 miles down the river Avon to Mrs.

347

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.mimS bk> o Hid baft inert nfimo# bnB noxsS

17*70]

Venable's residence. A charming drive through the love¬
liest part of England, only three showers on the way. Such
sheep and such turnips. We found Mrs. Venable’s mother
and her sister, Miss King, and Holbrook and Mrs. V. soon
came in. We lunched there very pleasantly and returned
in alternate sunshine and showers at 4 p. m. H. arrived
there on Monday, has made a painting of the place, and has
accepted invitations for all the time until he leaves there
next Tuesday, and seems well and busy. He sees the inside
of the houses of the country families, a privilege seldom ac¬
corded to passing travellers. I intended to have done some
more visiting in England, but it is too cold and wet for me.
Shall probably go from here tomorrow to Bath or Leaming¬
ton. Mrs. and Miss K. left by rail for her son’s this P. M.
but will stay at this hotel until tomorrow and I find an in¬
vitation for W. and myself to take coffee with them this
evening.

Love to all. Thank Mary for her sweet letter to me.
W. is out for a walk.

Yours affectionately,

Wm. E. Curtis.

Monday, Sept. 29th, 1879. Fifty-six years old today.
Am at Watertown and have attended to judicial duties
through September.

Sunday, Oct., 12th. Mrs. Curtis and Randolph are
with Sanford in the Adirondacks. Will, Holbrook and
myself are keeping house in New York.

Thursday, Nov. 27, 1879. Thanksgiving Day. Passed
in town quietly with my family. A year ago today I was
taken ill ; though yet suffering from its legacies I 'give thanks
for this prolongation of my life for the sake of my family.

Christmas, 1879. Clouds and rain confine me to the
house. Randolph has gone to the Adirondacks to visit San¬
ford who remains there hoping to restore his health in the
atmosphere of the forests. The rest of the family are here
making merry over Christmas.

348

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bavins .H .rn .q |» is eiawoda bns anidtnu* aJsmaHc ni

Mrs . William Edmond Curtis

[i88o\

New Year’s, 1880. The afternoon sunshine tempted
me to make a few calls. Temperature mild and visits agree¬
able. This ancient custom is dying out apparently.

The End.

It is seldom that a man succeeds in being the sort of
person and having the career that he wished; but from the
meeting of the Bar Association, and the newspaper clip¬
pings after my father’s death, it seems as though he had at¬
tained everything in life that he most desired.

None of his children died before him, but the following
year, Eustace Sanford, who was born in i860, and who out¬
grew his strength, measuring six foot four at fifteen, died
in July at Watertown. Francis Randolph was the next in
1892, then Mary Alathea in 1916, Holbrook 1920, and Wil¬
liam 1923.

The last thing my father did was to go to Commence¬
ment at Trinity. My mother accompanied him and in her
calendar she wrote under that date “ my last happy day.”
After an illness of less than a week my father passed quietly
away.

JUDGE IV. E. CURTIS BURIED .

(New York World — July 10th, 1880.)

Many New York Judges and Lawyers at the Funeral of the
Seventh Chief Justice of the Superior Court.

Chief Justice William E. Curtis was buried yesterday
after services at his summer residence, the old homestead
of the Curtis family at Watertown, Conn. A special car
attached to the 8:05 New Haven express train from New
York took up a large party of New Yorkers, including the
Associate Judges of the Superior Court, John J. Freedman,
Gilbert M. Speir, Hooper C. Von Vorst and John Sedg¬
wick, Judge Sanford being unavoidably absent, and among
others, Edwin W. Stoughton, Abram S. Hewitt, Aaron J.
Vanderpoel, Charles Tracy, Lewis L. Delafield, W. P-

349

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-ssigc ?i / bns blirn sirjimsqmsT .*11 v/sl b s^em ol sm

Tioilt iud jbsrteiw sri jcrit issibd srii gnivsrf bns noaisq

[i 886]

Power, H. P. Marshall, J. S. Stearns, Judge R. S. Larre-
more, of the Common Pleas, ex-Judge Davies, Professor
John C. Draper, of the College of the City of New York,
and Mrs. Draper. Thomas Boese, the Clerk of the Superior
Court, is in Canada. A. T. Warburton, the stenographer
of the court since the introduction of stenographic reports
some twenty years ago, Wilson Small, William Haviland
and J. McK. McCarthy of the clerk’s office, and Court Offi¬
cers McDonald and Hallahan were of the party. At Bridge¬
port and other places accessions to the party were received,
among them Dr. W. W. Williams, of St. George’s Church,
in this city, of which Judge Curtis was a Vestryman; Dr.
Pynchon, President of Trinity College, Hartford; Pro¬
fessors E. E. Johnson and Samuel Hart, also of Trinity
College, of which Judge Curtis had been a Trustee; Charles
R. Chapman, of Hartford; Wm. Watson, E. M. Scudder,
W. H. Scott, W. D. Edmonds, A. D. Appleton, Professor
Francis Wayland, of the Yale Law School; F. J. Kingsbury
of Waterbury, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Curtis; L. W. Cut¬
ler of Watertown, and Chief-Justice O. S. Seymour, of
Litchfield.

It had been the expressed wish of Judge Curtis that
there should be no funeral oration or address of any kind
and simply the Episcopal burial service was read. The
pall-bearers were E. W. Stoughton, A. S. Hewitt, A. J.
Vanderpoel, Chas. Tracy, Judge Hooper C. Van Vorst, L.
L. Delafield, Judge Gilbert M. Spier, N. P. Power, Judge
John J. Freedman, Judge Sedgwick, H. P. Marshall, J. S.
Stearns and Judge R. L. Larremore. In and about the
house were many friends of the family from Watertown
and the neighborhood. The remains lay in the parlor in an
oaken casket covered with black cloth. Christ Church
stands just across the village green and as 4 o’clock the bell
began to toll from the modest church tower the casket was
carried over to the church, followed by the pall-bearers
and by the 7 children and the widow of the dead Judge.

350

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oHi fnonoditW .*1 .A .ubKiir» ) ni ii <Uu o'J

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[i88o]

The procession was met at Christ Church door by the Rev.
R. J. Stoddard, the pastor; Dr. Pynchon, of Hartford, and
Dr. Williams, of New York. The church was filled. The
hymn selected for the service was Dr. Muhlenberg's I
Would not Live Alway.” At the conclusion of the service
the procession was reformed and the coffin was carried to
the Evergreen Cemetery a little way down the road, and
here in a grave beside his father and mother the Chief-
Justice was laid.

On the way back to the city Mr. Abram S. Hewitt said
of Chief Justice Curtis: “ He was a good, average man,
well balanced morally, mentally and physically. He was
capable of any amount of work, and was never weary of
working. Whatever he did undertake to do he did thor¬
oughly, honestly and conscientiously, and how well thou¬
sands of his clients know. He was more particularly skilled
in commercial law and in the application of the law to
manufacturing concerns. He was a French scholar, and
having business which took him to France, made long visits
there. He was a member of the Century Club in New York,
and of the Manhattan and Union Clubs. He made a spe¬
cial study of education, and besides being for a time Presi¬
dent of the New York Board of Education, made an intelli¬
gent study of educational systems abroad and was never tired
of stydying the methods and text-books of other countries.
This interest he continued up to the time of his death, and
only a week or two ago he was up at Hartford and down
at Yale to see his son, F. Randolph Curtis, graduated. His
five sons — William E., Holbrook, F. Randolph, Sanford
and Kingsbury — have each of them been well educated.
William E. Curtis is now a practicing lawyer. Holbrook
is a young physician with a thorough schooling here and
abroad. Randolph will follow the law. Chief-Justice
Curtis was a member of the Geographical and Historical
societies, and a working member too. He never held a
political office except that of Judge of the Superior Court.

351

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3'j; r .V i )o i’oigubnoD orit lA

b/ioi 3 fit nwob yew olttil e yistomaD od*

[1880]

He did not seek the judgeship, but just at that time in 1871,
the people were determined to have honest men in office,
and I went to Mr. Curtis and urged him to accept the nomin¬
ation. He was proposed by Appollo Hall and ratified by
the Republicans, while Mr. Sedgwick was proposed by the
Republicans and was accepted by the Democrats. He had
an interest in the Scovill Brass Works at Waterbury, and
in other of the manufacturing establishments along the
Naugatuck River. He was for many years the private
counsel of Chas. Goodyear, the original india rubber paten¬
tee. When he was elected to the bench he gave up his
private practice/’

CHIEF JUDGE CURTIS.

(Law Register, Oct. 27, 1880)

A largely attended meeting of the members of the Bar
of this city, in memory of the Late Chief Judge William
E. Curtis, was held yesterday afternoon in the General
Term room of the Supreme Court. The Judges of the Su¬
preme, Superior, Common Pleas and Marine Courts and
Court of General Sessions entered in a body by the side door,
taking seats within the railing surrounding the Bench.
Mr. Delafield called the meeting to order, and named Chief
Justice Davis, of the Supreme Court, as chairman. The
following gentlemen were chosen as vice-presidents, and
took their seats upon the bench:

Hon. John Sedgwick, Chief Judge of the Superior
Court; Hon. Chas. P. Daly, Chief Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas; Hon. Samuel Blatchford, Judge of the
United States Circuit Court; Hon. Wm. G. Choate, Judge
of the United States District Court; Hon. Charles L. Bene¬
dict, Judge of the United States District Court, Hon. De¬
lano C. Calvin, Surrogate; Hon. Frederick Smyth, Re¬
corder; Hon. H. A. Gildersleeve, City Judge.

Mr. Brainerd nominated as secretaries Mr. Clifford A.
Hand, Mr. John L. Cadwalader and Mr. John McL. Nash.

352

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ni mm Jgsnorf avsd ol bonirrmJab 5137/ tdqooq aril

[1886]

Mr. Charles Tracy offered the following resolution, which
was unanimously adopted :

RESOLVED : That the Hon. William E. Curtis, dur¬
ing his practice at the Bar in this city for more than twenty-
five years, and his service for the last eight years on the
Bench of the Superior Court, of which he was Chief Judge
since October, 1876, by his ability, learning, integrity and
courtesy, gained our strong respect and esteem ; and we share
largely in the public sorrow caused by his death. His
balanced mind and calm temper bore the labors and cares,
sometimes perplexing, of the judicial office with patience,
impartiality and dignity; and in private life, his pure
character, high principles, varied attainments and true re¬
finement and modesty, made him attractive as a companion
and personal friend. It is a grateful, though sad, duty, as
he passes from among us, thus to record our appreciation
of his public and private worth.

Judge Van Vorst, in speaking to the resolution said:

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Bar: It is emin¬
ently fitting that the death of a good Judge should not be
allowed to pass without appropriate notice and action by
his contemporaries of the Bar and Bench. The memory of
those who have well filled their part in the administration
of justice and in the responsible and useful places of life
should be dearly cherished and sedulously preserved. I
have yeilded to wishes of my brethren in the Court over
which Judge Curtis lately presided, in appearing today to
speak of its appreciation of his excellent character and
qualities as a citizen and a Judge, and to express its sense
of the great loss it has sustained in his death.

Chief Justice Curtis was born in Litchfield County,
Conn., in September 1823. He was descended from worthy
ancestors, who came to this country as early as the year 1632,
and settled Stratford, Conn. Among them are to be found
both legislators and Judges, whose lives reach back to the
early days in our national history. His grandfather rep-

353

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;/> bns ?i od k f lod loqrmj mlcD bnim bsDnslfid

: i '- • l' •- i U i. : 16 21 ,f ' cl- *;i dJC 1

[i88o]

resented Connecticut in Congress towards the close of the
last century, and was for many years one of the Judges of
the Supreme Court of Errors in that State, and his great
grandfather, Benjamin Paine, in colonial days, sat with
the Governor in the High Court of Appeals in the colony
of Connecticut. His father, Holbrook Curtis, was a sound
lawyer, and was held in the highest esteem as a man in the
county in which he lived. He, too, in the end attained to
judicial station in the community which demanded his
services. The traditions and spirit of such preceding lives
must needs leave their indelible mark upon those who
spring from them. And Wm. E. Curtis was truly loyal
to the good name and report of his ancestors, and has left
in the record of his own life no act to mar the fairness of his
family escutcheon. He was well educated in the broad
sense in which that term is used with us. He was graduated
at Trinity College, Conn. But his education did not end
with his college days, nor did he on receiving his diploma
lay aside his books. He was always a thoughtful student.
His aim appeared to have been to thoroughly educate him¬
self for a life of extended usefulness in every walk and re¬
lation. So that he was not only a good Latin scholar and
familiar with the Greek, but he also acquired a familiar
knowledge of the French, Spanish and other modern
languages. As it was his intention, early formed, to study
and practice the profession of the law in the City of New
York, he -knew well enough how serviceable to him and
others — with whom in the prosecution of a commercial
practice he might be brought in communication — would
be a familiar knowledge of the modern languages. He
studied law in this city with that admirable and highly
gifted lawyer and advocate, William Curtis Noyes, and was
admitted to the practice of the profession in the year 1846.
One cannot speak too warmly of his character as a coun¬
sellor in his profession, and as an advocate. His practice
was large, not only in the State but in the Federal Courts.

354

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[/<?<?#]

And all who had business relations with him, lawyers and
clients, individuals and corporations, bear uniform testi¬
mony to the fairness of his dealings, and to his intelligent
and upright conduct on all occasions. He seemed to have
an intuitive idea of right and justice, from which he never
swerved. He was a safe guardian of every interest com¬
mitted to his management, and allowed no selfish purpose to

swerve him from entire justice to others. This sentiment

was carried in instances to self-sacrifice. He was a large-
minded-man, and the current of his thoughts and action
was limited by no narrow bounds; it deepend and widened
according to the subject he was called upon to consider.
But although he was actively engaged in the practice of
law, and never slighted the demands it made upon his time
and thoughts, he was not unmindful of other claims and
interests upon him outside of his profession. He was the
head of a large household, well managed and ordered. The
affairs of his family were ever near his heart, and were
affectionately and wisely adjusted. He was a tender hus¬
band and a kind and considerate father. He took, as one
would well suppose he might, a deep interest in the cause
of common school education, and was for several years a
Commissioner of Education, and finally became the presi¬
dent of its board, and kept up until the last his concern
for the system. He quite well understood the duty of the
State with regard to the education of its youth, and the
caution needed in wisely administering the system so that
the true end should be reached — the formation of an intel¬
ligent and upright citizenship. And when, after a con¬
siderable practice at his profession, he had reached an age
and gained an experience which fitted him for the station,
the advocate with an unblemished record was advanced, by
the choice of the community and with the approval of the
Bar, to be a Judge of the Superior Court. This office he
had held, at the time of his death, for a period of eight years
and upwards. The volumnes of the reports of the Court in

355

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moil t33iuui bnfi uhj'n io jrabi oviliulni ns

iriq Au !v ( n bdwolls briB .Jnsms ji nsm aid oj bsDirn
.eianjo o* 33imi[ aulno men. mid 3v*i3W2

[i88o]

which, in the end, he came to be Chief Justice, contain the
opinions and judgments pronounced by him in many im¬
portant controversies, and exhibit the truly judicial training
and cast of his mind, and bring out in clear relief the sound
sense, the clear intelligence, and the prevailing love of
justice and equity which always influenced his judgment.
No technical quibbles, no refinements of casuistry, could
break into the notions of right and wrong which is own com¬
mon sense suggested to him. The most of you who are now
present, and who have often appeared before him, have ob¬
served his dignified and courteous deportment on the Bench,
as well as the ever-present patience and considerate atten¬
tion which characterized him when he presided at trials.
He never ceased to be the true gentleman. Not only coun¬
sel engaged, young and old, but parties, witnesses and jury¬
men, shared the quieting influence of his conduct and bear¬
ing as a Judge. In the causes tried before him on the equity
side of the Court, which often demand consideration, and
on appeals to the General Term, he was always prompt in
rendering his decisions. This proceeded from his thorough
training and business habits, strengthened by the conviction
that tardy justice was often its virtual denial. In his con¬
sultations with his brethren he was always ready at the ap¬
pointed time with his opinions. I have rarely known of an
instance of failure in this regard. He was always prepared
to give a respectful consideration to dissenting views. He
would not cling tenaciously or unreasonably to a conclusion
which he had reached. In the presence of a sounder and
better view, he would yield. His judicial office and duties
always received his first attention, and although interested
in other concerns, he never allowed them to interfere with
his obligations to the Court. I have said that even during
his judicial term other interests of moment engaged him.
Societies and associations, literary, social, scientific and
benevolent, all held an appropriate place in his regard,
and their claims were acknowledged and satisfied. Now

356

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[iSSo]

such a character as we find developed in Judge Curtis would
still be incomplete without a religious element, and this
prevailed in him to a large degree. But, although his faith
was clear and distinct and according to the traditions of his
ancestors, yet it was broad, and made no approach to bigo¬
try. His ideas were Catholic. He was charitable in his
judgments of others, and ever respected their honest opin¬
ions as to questions subjective or objective. He lived and
died in the faith of his fathers, and from his father’s house,
which he had inherited, surrounded by its lawns and trees,
in the beautiful village of Watertown, and which he so
much loved, and to which he always gladly went when the
summer vacation arrived, his remains, surrounded by a sor¬
rowing family, were borne to the church on the adjoining
square. This church was well filled on that bright summer
morning with the people of the place, many of whom had
known him in his early life and looked upon his career of
usefulness and honor in this metropolis with interest and
pride, and who had come to take a last farewell of him on
earth, and to accompany the casket which contained his
remains to its quiet resting place in the neighboring ceme¬
tery. He died and was buried as we may well consider he
could have wished. The late Chief Justice of the Court
of Appeals, at the summons of the angel of death, left the
judicial work upon which he was at the moment engaged.
That summer rest to which Judge Curtis looked forward,
at Watertown, to fit him for the discharge of duties in the
fall, he has exchanged for the unbroken rest which eternity
unfolds to the wearied ones of this mortal life. What can
I say more of our departed friend? His commanding
presence, his excellent judgment, his social virtues, his
pure conversation enriched by extensive reading and much
observant travel, his sympathetic nature and kind offices,
remain with us now only as a memory. I lay these few
leaves, moistened with tears, upon his bier, upon which are
written our precious thoughts of him, and the lasting regard

357

*V.

.'{11

[i88o]

in which his memory is held among those who knew him
well. There is no foul spot to sully the fair record of his
life. It is clear and stainless as the lawn which symbolizes
his office. We, upon whom the warm light of his life fell,
and who were strengthened by his unfaltering purpose “ to
do justly, love mercy and walk humbly,5' may well deplore
his death and seek to preserve to others who come after, for
their guidance, comfort and encouragement, the record of
a good and a true life as a man, an advocate and a Judge.

Mr Henry J. Scudder spoke feelingly of his recollec¬
tions of the Chief Justice, running through years of excep¬
tional intimacy, and referring to his love of the classics,
related that in joining in the worship in the Episcopal
Church, which he attended, Mr. Curtis uttered the re¬
sponses in the Greek tongue.

Mr. A. J. Vanderpoel, who next spoke, in the course of
his remarks, said: “ Four years since, you presided at the
meeting of the Bar convened on the occasion of the death
of Chief Justice Monell. Judge Curtis met with us, and
was assigned by his brother members of the Court to ex¬
press their sorrow in their bereavement. The aptness and
beauty of his address on that occasion was striking. It was
a just tribute to one whom your Honor then characterized
as ‘ a man who worthily bore the great honors he worthily
enjoyed 5 a sentiment which applies equally well to his
successor.

Mr. Edwin W. Stoughton, the next speaker, referred in
glowing terms to the high character and noble qualities of
the Chief Justice and among other things said: u He was
so gentle and so kind, never uttering a harsh word, always
forgetting himself, never seeming to be absorbed in any¬
thing or by anything but the desire to make those about
him happy. On the Bench, we all know his record. I
believe the younger members of the Bar loved him, and
those who were before him or occupied exalted position
upon the Bench know how grateful the younger members

358

[0M\]

rr fv7-.nu! orfw aaorfj snoms bbrf ei fiorarn tirf rbirfw ni

2 ji q ^ rn r.lnu eirf vd b*>ti3dt§n;m« w/r orivr bnn
1 '/ J J ' 1 '• i131 J » o» ‘’viaa-jiq oj Jsv-: Lns diesb eiiT

. • ' !■ ’ . ,

[ 1 886]

of the Bar are for kindness, and they know how a little un¬
kindness wounds and how long it takes for such wounds to
heal. They know that the gratitude which a young man
feels for kindness from distinguished members of the Bench
lasts during his life. I have some such memories. They
never grow less.”

Mr. John E. Parsons then offered the following resolu¬
tion, which was carried :

RESOLVED. That a copy of the resolutions be fur¬
nished to the family of the late Chief Judge Curtis, and
that a record of the proceedings of this meeting be
presented to the General Term of the Superior Court,
with the request that it be entered upon the minutes
of that Court.

359

-nu al)iil g wod wond yarii bnc .eeanbniJ lot sis uj8 aril io

n^m gnuoif g dpidw abuiiiGig adt iGril wo/ul yadT lead

,WT .2311001301 doi/2 30102 ovuri I .oiil airi gnhub 2)2bI
-u^3i gnivyollol orb bsisfto noril znoeis*! ,H nrio^ .iM

[ i 893]

William Edmond Curtis, Jr. was born in New York
June 2nd, 1855, graduated from Trinity College, Hartford,
1877 B. A., in 1878 M. A., and in 1902 L.L. D. He began
the practice of law with his father’s former associate, Mr.
James Stearns, and was more or less interested in politics
when Mr. Cleveland appointed him assistant secretary of
the Treasury in 1893. He had already shown an aptitude
for financial problems and with an extremely clear mind
that seized upon the vital point of any question, was well
fitted to assume responsibility. It was always a regret
to his family that he never became a judge, for his careful,
logical, view of a situation would have rendered his opinion
of great value. When in the Autumn of 1894 it became ap¬
parent that Congress would do nothing to come to the res¬
cue of the Treasury, of which the gold reserve was so de¬
pleted by the Sherman law and the silver men of the West,
that the country would have been bankrupt in one month;
my brother began to investigate what had been done
after the Civil War in a like emergency. He discovered
that there was a law (section 3700) which had never been
repealed, which enabled Congress to sell bonds abroad and
import the necessary gold in that way. Being already in
touch with the New York bankers, (Mr. Carlisle was
from Kentucky and also had other affairs on his hands) Wil¬
liam suggested, and, with the assistance of Mr. Morgan and
Mr. Belmont, put through, the sale of bonds in England
that saved the country in an hour of need. Mr. Francis
Lynde Stetson told an old family friend that William went
to him and urged him in his capacity as Mr. Morgan’s
lawyer to convince him of the necessity for the bankers
coming to the assistance of the government and of the le¬
gality of statute 3700. Mr. Morgan gallantly stepped into
the breach, demonstrating to Mr. Cleveland the expediency
of this method of procedure and the impending ruin did the
gold give out. Mr. Jordan, the Ass. Treasurer at New York,
had planned with William buying gold bars to stave off the

360

Y vn'I ni mod sbv/ .i\ ,iinuO bnomb3 msiiliW

William Edmond Curtis

li$93]

crash and at this time he wrote to him in his own hand eight
or more pages of reports every day. The terrible anxiety
of all who were cognizant of the threatened catastrophe
breathes from every word. Bryan was called the friend of
the people, but if by his short sighted free silver policy the
people had gone hungry and poor, what would then have
been his title? When “ the great Commoner ” sent word
to the Kaiser by Von Bernstoff in 1917 that the Country was
not with President Wilson and that we did not wish to fight
Germany, he showed the same sublime crookedness of vision
that caused his espousal of the Anti-Evolution doctrine in
the South. Although Cleveland and his cabinet were for
sound money to a man, Mr. Hamlin, Will’s confrere, the
second assistant secretary, went over to Bryan and made
speechifying tours through Massachusetts for his election.
William’s speeches at various public dinners, etc., eluci¬
dating the financial situation, are most excellent documents,
and are all preserved in the scrap book which my mother
had made of clippings about his career. Plere is a letter
from her in regard to his Treasury apointment.

Charleston Hotel,

Charleston, S. C.,

March 30, 1893.

My Dear Will,

All your letters to Berwick arrived this morning. You
must make your own decision as to what is best for yourself,
without regard to me. I think it a point on which you only
can judge. If you do not take the place yourself, cannot
you get it for Monroe. I would certainly not take any ap¬
pointment in New York. I am feeling much better, in fact
feel very well today. It is cool and delicious. I think it
very complimentary to have the place offered you. I only
hope people will know that to be the fact, and not think
you worked for spoils or have been running on to Wash¬
ington seeking for it. I am glad you get a little fun out

361

Lnei’ nv/o g‘d ni mid o) atoiw ad amij gidi Jk bms dsci^

ariqcnJgmj banolfiaidj odt io insxin^oo aiav/ odv/ 11s \o
a.Il . >1 : yn) baldgia noda aid yd ii jud Ta{qoaq adi

Saljij girl naad

I* 8941

of it for you certainly worked very hard in the winter. I
think if you can, I would go to Chicago. Reports are so
contradictory.

Your loving Mama

To Mrs. W. E. Curtis
1740 M Street
Washington
D. C.

UNIVERSITY CLUB
Madison Square

Sunday Feb. 25th 1894

Dear Mother,

I have had a very lively time. The mercury was io°
at 3 p. m. yesterday with a high wind & my ulster was most
useful. The Opera was superb on Friday night & H.
(Holbrook) & I went to the Vaudeville Club afterwards
& had a regular spree. I dined at the Democratic Club
last night & attended the entertainment here. The latter
lasted till 3 a. m.

I am overwhelmed with invitations on all sides for din¬
ners, theatres, &c but I am pretty busy. Yesterday I did
not go down town. Tell Carter to get you the Tribune of
last week which contained the attack upon the assistant
Secretary’s carriages. The Republicans 'used them for
twenty years!

Love to all.

Yours Aff’y

(Sgd) Will.

P. S.

Harry Marshall said last night that Bess is considered
a genius & he has heard artists, who have seen her work, say,
that she is one of the “ coming artists of the country.”

362

II | "• [VW

iu)niw #di ni bi*rt yiav basliow ylnitiiM ooy iol li to
og ais gnoqs^ .03*3110 ol 03 biuow I .nso uoy li dnirfj

{i894\

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

June 26th, 1894.

Dear Mother:

I have your amusing letter about the dream. I see
no prospective realization of it. Pity it is not a satisfactory
person! Next time it will probably be a negress! I spent
nearly two hours with the President yesterday after office
hours and the result is in the papers today. Mr. Carlisle
got back late last night. I dined at the Club and did not
get to the Inn until 10:30 p. m. I had a breeze all night,
and I think the arrangement fine and a great relief to me.
I have a bunch of your letters in my pocket which
I have not had time to answer carefully, but hope to do so
in a day or two. Tryon, Rush and Rogers are coming out
to dine with me tonight. I will look out for a seat in
Church. I may go to New York this week for a day.
Cannot tell yet. Wike goes of I for a month July 1st, and
the Secretary and I are to run things alone.

Love to all,

Yours affectionately,

Will.

P. S. The President is very well and in fine spirits and
belligerent!

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

July 7th, 1894.

Dear Mother:

I was awfully busy yesterday and did not get a minute
to write you a line. The Secretary came here with his
clerk for a few minutes today and did a little business. He
goes to the President this afternoon.

We are all very much bothered by the strikes at Chica¬
go, and elsewhere, but the newspaper reports are fright¬
fully exaggerated. I think Altgeld ought to be whipped.

363

THHMT/TA^aa Y^U8A3OT

.VIOTOVIIH3AV7 |

302 I .rmjoib orit JiiodjB io)JoI gnizums tuo^ overi I

I J8Q4\

I had a long talk with the President yesterday at the Secre¬
tary’s request. He proposes to stand up and stamp this
out if it takes the whole army and militia to do it. I wired
you this morning that I was busy yesterday and could not
write.

Col. Monroe turned up this morning and I asked him
to go out with me to Chevy Chase this evening to dine.
Saw Lamont this morning. He has his hands full.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

July io, 1894.

Dear Mother :

I stopped in town last night and enjoyed the coolness.
Had some fine tennis with the Att. Gen. et al. in the after¬
noon, and I hope for golf today. The reports show the
•situation is improving, but if all the trades unions in the
country are called out, as they proposed, I do not know what
may be the result. They are not getting the sympathy
which they expected and I hope the question will be fought
•out in the end. It must come, and better now, than later in
the Administration. The President’s proclamations have
an excellent effect and they make people stop and think.
I think there will be less fusion movements among the Dem¬
ocrats hereafter. If the newspapers would only tell the
truth. It would also help matters. Wike leaves tonight,
and Carlisle and I will be alone for a month. The Presi¬
dent will designate an acting assistant in his place. This
insures my vacation.

Love to all,

Yours affectionately,

Will.

364

-31332 Dflf is insbiesiH otil rttiw >Hct gnol s bed I

CHEVY CHASE INN,
Chevy Chase, Md.

{I $9 A

July 23, 1894.

Dear Mother:

I did not have time to write today in town. Carlisle
did not arrive until four and then I had a long talk with
him about the President's letter, etc., and his interview of
last April. He explained it all and it is quite interesting.
They all seen to have been playing at cross purposes. Gor¬
man made a very bitter speech this afternoon and everyone
is keyed up to the top notch. I saw Lamont this morning
and he thought it would come out all right and the Presi¬
dent is very confident. Tomorrow will probably decide the
question. It has rained all day and the people are de¬
lighted. The lawns are already losing the dull, brown
color of the past six weeks. I got your letter of Saturday
and am glad King got his vacation. I presume you saw
that Macfarlanc had been confirmed. It is very satisfac¬
tory to us and we are all greatly pleased. I am hoping to
see Thornton Warren made one of the junior assistants.
I hope you will keep me informed about the parsons who
make their various bows on approbation. Tomorrow is
to be cool and clear, and I hope to get some golf and stay
in town all night. We have fires here this evening and
they are very comfortable.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

July 27th, 1894.

Dear Mother:

Today is the hottest yet and some humidity too, but not
much. Mercury 109 in the shade out on the corner by
Riggs’ Bank, where it gets the reflected heat from the
asphalt. It is 94 in my room, but there is a good breeze and

365

■ ^ <#Ji ; ! '• 3 i-'

{i $94]

I am not at all uncomfortable. My electric fan is whirl¬
ing away in great shape. I got a letter from Delia Gurnee
in Paris today. They are coming back in August. Her
father is better. They want me to go to Bar Harbor with
them. Isabel Montant is at Carlsbad and “They hope”
she will improve. Got a letter from Soley and a card from
his agent here. They begin repairs next week. I am glad
you enjoyed Miss Shelton’s visit.* I was very sorry to miss
her. I am glad the Sanfords like it. Do not bother about
Cleveland’s “ strain of sadness ” in his letter, it don't exist
in his feelings I am quite sure. The situation improves for
a bill daily. Vilas made a good speech yesterday and I had
a chat with him and Justice White at the Inn last night.
Also had the French Ambassador and Austrian Charge
d’Affaires at dinner. •

Yours affectionately,

Will.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

August 3rd, 1894.

Dear Mother:

Wike got back this morning, so I am somewhat re¬
lieved. Senator Smith was in here just now and said that
he had agreed to a measure which he thought would pass
and that the negotiations might be completed at any mo¬
ment. If the adjournment takes place next week I shall
get away as soon as the Secretary decides upon his plans.
We will not both go away at the same time. Gold affairs
look better today also. I am still hoping to get up my
Berkley story. I have so much to do for campaign speakers
on the money question out of hours that I am driven to
death. Had some tennis with the Attorney General, Theo¬
dore Roosevelt and Binney last night. Went out to the Inn
for dinner and bed. It was quite comfortable this morning

‘Same who were in ray father’s journal 1849.

366

-hiriw ei nfil oritoafa yM .*\<J&Vto\mo*i\u \\i> \on m* I

bfilg mA I jfe*w )Z3fl ^licqn nigod yodT .oiori hiagis «id

iiS94]

as it was cloudy but now it is muggy again and looks like
rain. I have the two cheques for Smith and expenses and
send you some bills. I thought this de Luze bill was paid.
If I can only get off for a few days this month I think I will
go to Narraganset Pier, after I have looked in on you, and
take the rest of the time later at Watertown and Southhamp¬
ton where I can get some good exercise. I think some sea
baths just now would be good for me. I am keeping your
letters to see that they are all answered some day. I have
Bessie’s illustrated effusion. It was quite good.

Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

P. S. I have an appointment with Hoke Smith to instruct
him upon the money question at 4:30.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

August 13, 1894.

Dear Mother:

Just got your wire. Don’t change any plans on my ac¬
count as I am absolutely uncertain. I expect to go to New
York tomorrow afternoon on business. If Congress should
decide to adjourn immediately I would probably go on for
a week, or ten days, vacation, in which event my plan was
to go to see you for a few days and go to Narragansett Pier
on the 20th for the time I had left. If you are not in
Watertown, I will go to Narragansett directly, or to wher¬
ever you may be. It is quite immaterial. I shall then
come back here until Hamlin returns when I shall go off for
three weeks in Sept, and Oct. The Secretary leaves when
I get back. Had Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Price at the Inn
over Sunday and enjoyed it very much indeed. I have
various memo, from your letters re filter, furniture, etc., etc.,
which I will talk with you about when I see you. Just got
word that the Democratic caucus have agreed to accept the

367

[IS 9 5}

Senate bill and take measures to pass free coal, iron, and
sugar bills. It will take some time to get these later bills
through, but I presume that we will get the Senate Bill
tomorrow. I doubt whether the President will approve it
if they stay in Session long enough (io days) to make it
a law without. There is a possibility of a veto. The Sec¬
retary does not like the situation at all nor does the Admin¬
istration generally. Nothing else except it rained all day,
yesterday it was and is cool and pleasant. Had some golf
last Saturdav.

Love to all,

Yours affectionately,

Will.

P. S. Will be at the University Club, N. Y. Wednesday
morning.

(As the gold situation became worse Will was constantly
in New York and the following letter was written to Secre¬
tary Carlisle just before the negotiation for the sale of
bonds abroad — )

UNIVERSITY CLUB
Madison Square.

30 January, 1895.
10 P. M.

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I have been with B. since 7:15 and just left him. He
has cabled to learn whether foreigners would do anything
with the 5s at all and expects an answer in the morning.
He does not think it will be favorable. He says that the
selling of American Securities must be stopped by inspiring
foreigners with confidence and until that is done the gold
must go to them. He says he tried to see Stillman today
and failed, but saw Baker. They decided that $100,000,000.
was necessary with an option for $100,000,000. more if de¬
sired. Syndicate to be arranged to take 1/3 here and 2/3

♦Probably Bacon of the Morgan firm as Mr. Jordan mentioned him.

368

10. 'A]

- li I i: ini 3?-j 't )3g ot ^mii omo? lliw ll .zf f ?d icgu?

[i8q5\

abroad. They think this figure only would help situation
and loan of $50 ,000,000. would have little or no effect even
if taken locally wholly. B. says action must be immediate
in his opinion, fjordan was here to meet me. He lost over
$3,000,000. today. Thinks he can hold on until Saturday
night and tomorrow may decide. Urges immediate action
as necessary. Look at Meline’s gold statement of tomor¬
row morning showing transfers made and to come. People
seem scared and panicky in the club. I have seen no one
on this business except B. and Jordan. Reporters were on
the train, at the ferry and elsewhere. Impossible to elude
them or do anything but hold one’s tongue. If you will call
me up at the Club here at half past nine tomorrow from
the long distance telephone in my office I would like in¬
structions. First: To whom shall I talk? (B. evidently
would like to try to arrange the syndicate if you decide to
go ahead, but shall we not make some advances elsewhere,
through him or personally?) Second: What representa¬
tions can I make, if anv, as to the intentions of the Govern-
ment? I think it should be decided at once whether a bond
issue should be made or not. If the former and to a syn¬
dicate the amount, terms, method etc. to be suggested by B.
and such others as you may name and to be approved by you.
If there is to be no issue, it should be so stated at once. B.
thinks we have overstayed our time. The question also as
to the probable effect of suspension with a bond issue pend¬
ing, or advertised for, must be well thought out. If we de¬
cide upon an issue by advertisement , they should be printed
tomorrow, proposals to be handed in and opened at the
Treasury next Monday. This time have provisions made
for allotment, if necessary, and take the highest; no “ all or
none.” I think the country might respond to this. Instal¬
ments after first round amount to be easy and in gold. This
is a personal opinion merely. 1 feel the responsibility here
and would like to divide it. I sent a note to F. but got no

fAssistant U. S. Treasurer, New York.

369

noilKulia qbrl bluow ylno rtugft lirh jlnirfi yarfT .bsoide

[^95]

answer and think he may be away. You of course know
the Congressional outlook. I do not and my views are
simply based on what I see here. I send this by special
delivery.

Yours truly,

W. E. Curtis.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT

Office of the Secretary,
Feb’y. ist, 1895.

Dear Mr. Secretary:

Mr. Morgan has just telephoned me to bring over coun¬
ter proposition on any of his points not agreed to. Also,
that in the paragraph about cooperation he meant he wanted
the commercial assistance of the Treasury, and that the
business would be facilitated and not delayed to obtain legal
opinions on points settled by custom in financial affairs and
not involving money risks to the government. As to the
interpretation of “ coin in bonds,’’ see “ Specie Resumption
& Refunding of the National Debt ” (being letters etc. sent
to Congress by Secretary Sherman on the subject) pages
20, 22 etc.

Yours truly,

W. E. Curtis.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT

Office of the Secretary,
Feb’y. 4th, 1895.

3 :2o P. M.

I have heard from Mr. Morgan. He and Mr. Belmont
were together. I told them that the Atty. Gen.* had finally
decided that the old fours would be open to the objection as
to their validity. He said he would cable this to London.
I also said I would send a messenger by the midnight train

•Mr. Richard OIny was Attorney General until the death of Mr. Gresham
Secretary of State, when he was given that office.

370

word onuao Jo uoY .vkwk ad ycm ari jfnirti bns lawns

,yfo7j rtiroY i o ■

U895]

on other matters. He asked what the other open questions
were and I said that among other things the rate was too
stiff. He said it was based on foreign advices which agreed
as to market, but he and Mr. B. would come over if you
wished and consult upon that point if the others were set¬
tled and he could wait until receipt of messages tomorrow
morning before saying anything further to foreigners, ex¬
cept that the 30 year fours must be used.

W. E. C.

The following was written just before the conference
when Mr. Morgan, Mr. Olny, Mr. Carlisle and the Presi¬
dent decided upon the expedient which was first suggested
by my brother.

1740 M STREET

Tuesday.

Dear Mr. Secretary:

If the Attorney General is expected this morning at the
President's he had better be informed by telephone as the
matter was open yesterday when I saw him.

I am terribly anxious about the popular loan offer with¬
out preliminary arrangements. I cannot see how we can
help the situation without foreign gold in some way.
Nothing can apparently be done in New York on the lines
we mentioned — i. e. temporary borrowings. The differ¬
ence in price between quotations for foreign bids and our
views is nothing compared with panic and suspension. Do
get all the information about the business side of the situa¬
tion from Morgan, who thinks the situation the most criti¬
cal since the war and I must say I agree. I will be in my
office and you can send for me if wanted. I think a private
conversation between you and M. would be advantageous.
Pardon all these suggestions, but the matter has kept me
awake all night and the slightest hesitency in the public
view will precipitate trouble.

Yours hastily,

W. E. C.

371

■

mtuo on] li jnioq Jerit noqu ili/anoj bun bariziw
-X3 ,«i3ngnio ol iDdnul gnirli^nc gnivs? 3io}->d gnimom

! yi steiosg iM nsCl

W5]

Whether he was present at the consultation nobody
knows — Mr. Cleveland merely mentioned “ a young man.”

William wrote the following letters when he was sent
to England with the bonds. Added to much hard work,
he had an interesting and entertaining experience.

HOTEL METROPOLE

May 31st, 1895.

My dear Mother:

When I wrote you last we were running up the Channel
and we have now reached our destination and done some
other things. We had a most beautiful evening to land.
The sky was cloudless and as we passed through the U. S.
fleet their bands played and we howled, of course. We got
to the dock at 6:30 and Col. Montgomery and Mr. Kincaid,
consul at Southhampton, were down to meet me with a letter
and card from Mr. Bayard so I had no customs examina¬
tion. We left at 7:50 and reached London a few minutes
before 10. Our party had a special compartment and came
on most smoothly. It being the “ Derby Day ” London was
crammed with people, but I found a fine room all ready at
the Metropole and was most comfortable. Today, how¬
ever, with the assistance of Mr. Hodson at the Embassy, I
found lodgings at 37 Albermarle St., West, which consists
of sitting, bed, dressing and bath room for what I pay for
one large room here and I move this afternoon. I dine at
Mr. Bayard’s house tonight. I have been proposed as a
temporary member of the St. James Club (the club of the
Diplomatic Corps) and dine with Roosevelt, First Secre¬
tary, on Tuesday.

Yesterday I went to the Embassy first and then to Coun-
sul General’s office. The latter had arranged a luncheon
at the old “ Ship and Turtle Tavern,” and we had a most
delightful time. I dined here alone, as I was very tired.
Went to see Dr. Hamilton in the evening and early to bed.
Today I tailored a bit and went again to the Embassy and

372

O<?05]

later had my first interview, by appointment, with Lord
Rothschild. He was very agreeable and we settled every¬
thing most satisfactorily. Everyone is going away just now
for the Whitsuntide holidays and I think I may go over
tomorrow and see Cambridge University. I have never
been there. We will now have nothing until Tuesday,
when I go to Southampton to meet the bonds. The weather
is fine and quite warm. I presume I will get the first
home letters on Monday. They sent off a small boat with
the news of Mr. Gresham’s death, which was cabled to me
in London and repeated by Col. Montgomery to the signal
officer at Hurst Castle.

Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

37 Albermarle St.,

London, W.

4th June, 1895.

My Dear Mother:

I have moved my plant here from the Metropole, which
was crowded and generally horrid. I have a sitting room,
bed and bathroom and when the others come they have the
floor above. I moved on Friday afternoon, after spending
the day in the city and having two interviews with Lord
Rothschild. The dinner at Mr. Bayard's was a grand
affair. They have a fine house and were most polite.
There were 28 at table. .The Italian Ambassador was the
guest of honor and the others were the Marquis and Mar¬
quise of Bath, Lords and Ladies Reay, Brassey, Acton,
Baron and Baroness de Worms, Earl of Jersey and Lady
Margaret Villiers (Here Mr. Robb called and had a chat).
Lord Knutsford, Mrs. Hamilton Aide, Mrs. Adair and
various American officials, etc. I took out Miss Bayard
and sat between her and Lady Reay. Had a long chat with
Lord Jersey while smoking. He has been Gov. General of

373

- *3 n.» »fl v . ini. <>i ; olit / v: ?o| ; oA

1*895]

New South Wales and Lord Brassey is going out now. It
was very interesting meeting these people. Roosevelt was
very attentive (ist Secretary) and gives a dinner for me
tonight. Saturday I went to the City again and to the
Exhibition of the Royal Academy in the afternoon. I had
the Richardson’s to dine with me at the Cafe Monico, where
they have music, and then we came here and spent the
evening. Met Captain Evans this morning and if I have
time at Southampton tomorrow I will go down to luncheon
with him on his ship. I expect the party will arrive to¬
morrow afternoon or evening and I am going down at 9:15
in the morning. I got your first letters today (2) both from
the Imperial. Mr. Morgan arrived in London last night
and I hope to see him this afternoon. Hope the horses
and trip to Watertown will be all right.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

P. S. I have written General Cumberland and Auntie
Randolph.

37 Albermarle St., W.

June 8th, 1893.

Dear Mother:

I received your pencilled announcement of your safe
arrival at Watertown and the clippings. I am glad it all
went off properly. I think I wrote you on Tuesday, as I
was going to dine with Roosevelt. We had a very pleasant
time and the party included all the Embassy people (except
Mr. Bayard) and Richardson. Went to the theatre, etc.,
Wednesday. I left for Southampton at 9:15 to meet the
“ Paris.” Waited about all day with Col. Montgomery
and as the ship did not arrive until about 9 p. m. we had
to stay all night and come up early Thursday morning.
The other party had a very fine passage and we got the
papers safely into the vault by one o’clock on that day. In

374

[Wta]

I ni b-j /i . •

{18951

the afternoon I went to the weekly reception of the Ambas¬
sador with Logan Carlisle and met a great many people.
Yesterday we worked all day at Rothschild's office and got
about 3,000,000 pounds signed. It required us all to work
continuously, but today we have holiday and we all are
taking advantage of it. The weather continues beautiful.
I have a letter from Auntie Randolph and they are leaving
for Kissingen June 20th. I hope to get to Paris a couple of
days before they leave. Your letter of the 31st with the ac¬
count of your birthday has just arrived and the morning
papers announce Mr. Olney’s appointment as Secretary of
State. I will send him my congratulations. Who is judge
Harmon? I am glad Mr. Carlisle stays where he is. I
don’t think I would care to stay under anyone else. I have
been made a temporary member of the St. James Club and
am now settled. I must go out now. I have a letter from
Kingsbury this morning announcing receipt of my cable.
Give my love to all. I wish I could have joined in the
“ kissing bee.”

Yours affectionately,

Will.

37 Albermarle St., W.

London,

10th June, 1895.

Dear Mother:

I believe I wrote you last on Saturday. Did I tell you
that I found Nellie Hotchkiss and Mrs. Eaton on the
“ Paris?” Mr. Murray gave up his room to them at South¬
ampton and they were greatly obliged. They had engaged
nothing in advance, expecting to get in much earlier. Sat¬
urday was an awfully hot day here and I put on summer
clothes. Roosevelt came for me in his T cart at 4 o’clock
and drove me to Osterly Park 9 miles out. It is a beautiful
place; 2,000 acres, superb trees and a magnificent house
built in 1720 with tapestries, furniture, pictures, etc. kept

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up till now intact. The house is built very curiously.
There are towers at four corners and it has a basement and
three stories. It is ugly, being of red brick trimmed with
white stone, but the construction of the open court is most
peculiar. There were a number of people who came out to
tea and there were 24 at dinner, seated at 3 tables. I took
out Mrs. Stephen, wife of the Justice and sat next Lady
Ancaster. The other people at the table were : Lady Arran
and Lady Galway, Lord Jersey, Hon. Lionel Asley and
Mr. McKenzie Wallace. Everybody was most kind and
agreeable and I had a long chat with Lady Jersey after.
You will have to look up all these people in “ Burke.”
Roosevelt could not stay to dinner and I came back by the
11 : 1 6 train, being sent to the station by them. I have had
various invitations which I have not been able to accept.
One for two davs in the countrv at the Gordon's and another
to meet Mr. J. P. Morgan at dinner. Yesterday I went to
Allan Johnston's to lunch and met Baron Edsteffen and
Mrs. Pinchot. Mrs. J. has a boy about four weeks old,
but she has not pulled up and they are rather worried about
her. He drove me down to the Ranelagh Club at Putney
and we played golf. I borrowed a cleek, driver and lofter
and beat him by two holes in the 18 which was pretty good
for a strange course and clubs. I hope to get some more
shortly. I dined at the St. James Club in the evening with
Gus Gurnee and the Babcock boys. The former expects to
sail Friday. He left the family at Em’s all well.

I have been in the city all day and have not decided what
to do tonight. The rest are going to the house of Commons.
Frank Stetson came in and I have met many American
friends. Gen. Cumberland will be in town tomorrow and
so will Willy Kane. Mr. Morgan sails on Wednesday for
New York and I am going to try and slip over to Paris
while he is on the briny and sec Auntie Randolph who goes
to Kissingen on the 20th. Clifford Richardson has just
come in and asked me to dinner and I have accepted. I

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presume we will go somewhere afterwards. No rain yet
and clear, hot fine days. I have bought some clothes, etc.,
and I think I will take a leather golf bag for travelling and
some clubs for my birthday present. What do Mary and
Bessie want especially? Anything? I thought ijewelry
might be satisfactory.

Give my love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

37 Albermarle St., W.,

London.

14th June, 1893.

My dear Mother:

I have your birthday letter and also yours of the 4th
and Bessie’s amusing scrawl. I am off to Paris in the
morning and back on Monday. Auntie Randolph had ar¬
ranged to go to Kissingen on the 20th with Mrs. Grigg’s
and it is the only way I could see her. I will stop with
them.

We are busy as usual all day. I had a very pleasant
dinner at the Carter’s on Tuesday and went to Lady Ancas-
ter’s dance on Wednesday. Met a number of people and
got an invitation to lunch there next week. They are kind
and delightful. I also have an invitation to dine at Mrs.
Mackav’s for July 5th, which I had to decline as my plans
for return are so uncertain. I met Mrs. Hewitt and Ers-
kine last evening, and joined them at dinner. Went to see
Wyndham in “ The Home Secretary ” afterward. He was
very good and I enjoyed it greatly. The people at the Em¬
bassy are very anxious that I should stay over July 1st and
be presented in the diplomatic circle at the levee that day.
I may do so. Mr. Morgan sailed for New York on Wed¬
nesday and we can do nothing, except continue to complete
bonds, until he arrives. Much obliged for the slip from
the “ American,” it was very clever.

377

■-

['*05]

The weather is quite cool again and I am very glad to
miss the roasting which you all appear to have had in
America. This afternoon we all went to a garden party
at Leopole deRothschild's house. It adjoins Ashby house
at Hyde Park corner and has a beautiful terrace and gar¬
den. We had music by Strauss' band and everyone was
there. I met Lady Jersey, Lady Margaret Villiers, her
daughter, Lady Reay, Mrs. Adair, the Earl of Arrand,
Lord Rothschild and various other acquaintances and had
a very good time. Carlisle and I dined together at the
Continental and found an excellent table. Murray went
to Paris with Louis Howland tonight and returns Sunday
night. H. lives there with his mother so it is a great thing
for Murray, who is to stop with them. The wreather con¬
tinues fine without rain. I called on Mr. and Mrs. Cady
Eaton and Nellie Hotchkiss yesterday, and today they asked
me to go to St. Albans with them, but I had to go to the
city as usual. I have purchased clothes enough for a year
and this time they fit. I will answer your sweet birthday
letter after I get my present. I met Miss Furniss (Cle¬
mentina) at the Roosevelt's reception Tuesday afternoon
and find she is stopping nearly opposite. Also met Mr.'
MacVeagh, Ambassador to Italy and called on him. Gen¬
eral Cumberland came in yesterday and brought Kings¬
bury’s wedding present, which he says has been tied up on
his library table ever since Mrs. C. put it there. He got
my note while he was stopping at Bowerwood, visiting Miss
Venables and she sent me an invitation to visit her and he
wants me to go to Maidstone after Willie Venables gets
through his examinations. I doubt whether I can manage
it. I met the Chcsion s at the Carter's and was delighted
to renew my acquaintance. She is as jolly as ever and he is
a great golfer and I may go to the country for a couple of
days with him to play, if I get through here in time. I
have not heard anything special of anyone we know, except
Bradley Martin sent me a line yesterday to say that Alice

378

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Davies would be here next week. I will write Mary and
Bessie next time. I have two letters from King and one
from Tryon.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

37 Albermarle St., W.

London,

19th June, 1895.

My dear Mother:

I seize the chance to drop you a line about my Paris
trip. I left here on Saturday by the 1 1 a. m. train for Calais
and after a much delayed passage, reached rue Lincoln
about 9 p. m. instead of 7. Fortunately, I wired them and
they did not wait dinner. I met Willie Burnham at the
station here and I enjoyed his society all the way. The
weather was fine and the channel smooth. I found all the
family in good health and spirits, and they seemed delighted
to see me again. I had the same room which I had before
and they have the same servants. They made me most com¬
fortable. Sunday morning I went to church at ten o’clock
with Auntie Randolph and met lots of people whom I
knew, including Fred Martin, who gave me Alice Davies’
address. I found Bessie Clift at lunch fatter than ever and
quite as voluble. In the afternoon I called on Alice who
was out, at the Embassy, and on Mrs. Cruger, who lives
next door, at No. 4. I took a drive with her late in the
afternoon and got back so late that I missed the early din¬
ner at Aunt R’s, but they expected I might not get back.
I got my dinner at Mrs. Cs and then had a long talk with
Mrs. R. when I got back to No. 2. They have leased their
apartment for 6 years more, having now occupied it for 13
years. Frank may come out in the autumn, but I doubt it.
Mrs. Grigg is going with them in Kissingen.

I took a long walk with Frank before I went to drive
and the weather was so beautiful, that all Paris was in the

379

W5]

streets. It was very gay and interesting. Monday morning
I stayed with them until my departure for the station at
ii, when I left them waving their handkerchiefs from the
window. Had another smooth journey and reached here
about 8 p. m. after a most successful trip. I enjoyed it
thoroughly and only regretted that I could not stay longer.
They all sent messages to you and the girls and hope to see
you over here soon !

Yesterday afternoon I called on the Pauncefotes and in
the evening went with Mrs. Bayley to the Indian Exhibi¬
tion. Had a pleasant time. I must get this off- now, so
goodbye for the moment.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

37 Albermarle St., W.

London.

2 1 st June, 1895.

Dear Mother :

I send you this to say we will not get through in time to
catch the steamer on the 29 inst. Murray, etc., expect to
sail on the 6th of July in the “ St. Louis,” and I may ac¬
company them. The probabilities, however, are in favor
of my leaving by the “ New York” on the 13th. I will
not know, however, until Mr. J. P. Morgan has sized up
the financial situation at home and informed me. I found
Gurnee here last night and we dined together and he took
me to the theatre afterwards. Had a pleasant evening. I
send you a steamer plan which shows my room coming over
and the concert programme; also a slip to complete my let¬
ter to Mary about the Ascot races. I am overwhelmed
with correspondence just now on all sides and am very
busy. I am going to the country tomorrow to spend Sun¬
day with Mr. Gordon, Mr. Morgan’s partner. He lives in
Kent near Seven Oaks. Willy Kane appeared this afternoon
and I am dining with him tonight and afterwards go to a re-

380

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ception at Dr. Hamilton’s. I must go and dress now. I
have been writing steadily since I came from the city three
hours ago and it is now nearly half past seven. Got your
letters of June ioth and nth with clipping last evening.
Glad to hear the news.

Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

37 Albermarle St., W.

My dear Mother: 29th June, 1895.

I presume that you have my telegram to the office stat¬
ing that I would not sail until the 13th of July. We have
not yet received the authority to deliver the final lot of
$6,000,000, but they are all signed and counted and ready.
Carlisle and Massey are in Paris until tomorrow and Mur¬
ray in Ireland. I have stayed here waiting for a cable.

I dined with Lord Rothschild last night and had a very
pleasant time. I met the chap (Broderick) whose motion
defeated the Government the other night and his wife Lady
Hilda; I should think she would have been the one to move
it. I met two other members of Parliament, one of the
beauties, Mrs. Ady, and her husband, Hon. Chas. Howard,
son of Lord Carlisle and others. The house is magnificent
and looks out on a beautiful garden. Lady Rothschild was
very agreeable and her daughter equally so. I took her (the
daughter) out to dinner and sat between her and Mr.
Bowles, M. P.

Yesterday afternoon I went to a bazaar and bought
several things. Lady Ancaster was there and I did my duty
towards various acquaintances, including Miss Gordon and
Mrs. Ronalds. The latter sent her love to Annie Bucking¬
ham. She looks but little older than before and seems quite
as gay and vivacious as ever. My dinner for Roosevelt on
Thursday was a great success, though Dr. Plamilton got ill
at too late an hour to fill his place. I had Clifford Rich-

381

US95]

ardson, Julien Davies and Willy Kane. They came here
after the dinner (which was at Willis’ Rooms) and all
stayed until 12:15. I was asked by Lady Galway for a
boating party yesterday, but it rained and I did not go; am
asked to the Jersey’s for a small garden party this after¬
noon, but expect to go down to Bedford and spend Sunday
with Willy Kane. I wrote Bessie the other day and expect
to write to King in answer to his last one. Much obliged
for the clippings. Hope Bessie won’t break her nose on
the new bicycle, — people are crazy over it here. Yours
of the 19th has just arrived. You will have a chance for
another one. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

37 Albermarle St., W.

July 9th, 1895.

My dear Mother :

Just a line to acknowledge yours of the 26th. This is
my last letter from this side. I am having a very busy week.
I lunched with Lady Galway on Sunday and dined with the
Eaton’s and am going on Lord Cheylesmere’s coach to the
meet of the Coaching Club Thursday. I have been at the
Henley Regatta all day on the Ambassador’s Launch and
had a perfectly delightful time. Tomorrow, I spend the
day at Guilford playing golf with Henry White. The
coaching with Lord Ancaster and his party last Saturday
was a brilliant success and the garden party at Osterly most
entertaining. We had a charming lot of people, — besides
Lord and Lady A. were Ladies Margaret and Nina Wil¬
loughby, Florence Astley, and Miss Douglas, Tennant and
Hon. Astley. The Jerseys were as agreeable as before.
Willie Venables is coming here to spend tomorrow night
with me. He writes a very good letter. The Curry house,
if arranged properly, would be a good thing, I think, though
$3,600 is about as much as it is worth. Could we get it for

382

I [*>*0

tvvo years? It is now nearly i a. m. and I have to get up
early so good night. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

THE CAPITOL *

The picture of Hon. William E. Curtis, Assistant Secre¬
tary of the Treasury, is now going the rounds. With the
picture is usually a sketch which represents that Mr. Curtis
has just returned from England after performing a very
important office there ; which was the delivery of the foreign
half of the last Government bond issue into the hands of
the Rothschilds. The notice usually concludes with an ex¬
pression of joy that Mr. Curtis was able to do all this so
successfully and that he is at last at home and safe again.
The handsome Assistant Secretary is one of the most ad¬
mired of all the bachelors at present at large in Washington
society; and with regard to him, as well as to all the other
administration bachelors, it is hoped by society generally
that they will not let another winter pass without doing
what is expected of them by so many.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

Aug. 29, 1895.

Dear Mother:

Beastly hot! I return this slip. It is August drivel.
The Register of the Treasury, Mr. J. Fount Silliman, is
the party referred to. The Curry’s have decided not to go
abroad and their house is not to be rented. The gold with¬
drawals prevent my leaving here at present.

It is too hot to write anv more. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

•Extract from a Washington paper.

[1896]

UNIVERSITY CLUB
Madison Square.

Sept. 1 8th, 1895.

Dear Mother :

I am still here watching the confounded situation and
very tired of it all. The weather is very hot and close and
I will be glad to get through. I will probably not get away
until we learn the exports by Saturday’s steamer, which
will not be known until about two on Friday. In that case,
I hope to catch the 4 p. m. train or at latest the 1 p. m. on
Saturday. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

P. S. I saw letter about N. Y. and N. H. stock, cheque, etc.
All right.

UNIVERSITY CLUB

Madison Square.

Sunday.

Dear Mother:

Awfully hot! Dined with Mr. Fairchild and spent the
evening. Got your letter this morning. Return at 3:20
tomorrow. Very busy. No rooms here so I went to the Wal¬
dorf which is very comfortable and not so horribly ex¬
pensive. No time to write more. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

20th July, 1896.

Dear Mother:

I have your letter of Saturday and am sorry the cool
weather gave you neuralgia. Hope it has gone away. I am
in a hot, humid atmosphere and it changed in the night so
suddenly as to wake me up. I went to sleep with a blanket

384

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over me and one window closed and after 4 a. m. had to
open the latter and throw off the former. Regarding your
letter about New York and New Haven stock, there has
been no time when we could sell it to advantage. There
were only 284 shares sold in the whole month of June. The
immediate financial aspect is squally and the “ great chief ”
is “ sulking in his tent ” and won’t say or do anything. I
expect Mr. Carlisle back this evening and I shall try to get
him off to Gray Gables at once. When I think that all this
might have been avoided if they had taken my advice in the
beginning it “ makes me tired ” I will answer your politi¬
cal letter when I have time. I did not write you yesterday
at the Inn, as I was busy after luncheon and went to church
in the morning. The McKeevers left today. The Rices
go tomorrow. The wife of the Portugese Minister heard
of her father’s death last Thursday and is shut up in her
room feeling very badly. They leave at the end of the week.
Hamlin went last evening and Mr. Olney with him. I
have an idea that the President may return here or have a
Cabinet Meeting at Gray Gables. I wanted them to adopt
a policy before they all went away. Fortunately I am very
well and better prepared for a racket than I was last win¬
ter. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

P. S. I am hoping to be kept in New York for a week or
so and will be able to go to Oriental Hotel at Coney Island
or some other place at night.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON.

3 Augt. 1896.

Dear Mother:

I expected to have written yesterday but there was noth¬
ing to say. It was pretty warm and we had the usual five
o’clock shower, which cooled the air and gave us a good

385

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night but tomorrow will be especially warm, so the papers
say. I have asked the finance officials of the Japanese
Government, now here, to dine at the Inn tonight with me
and have two or three to meet them. I dined in town Sat¬
urday having paid a visit of condolence to the Portuguese
people and have done some errands. Dr. Wyman brought
Mrs. Thomas and Miss Goddard in for the theatre and I
met them there. The play, “ School,” was very well done.
Had a light supper and got back to the Inn about 12 and
just as a terrific shower of rain and a gale of wind began.
Miss Storey’s engagement to that little Belgian de Buisseret
is announced. How could she? I wired you at 118 Madi¬
son Avenue today. All well. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON.

28th Oct. 1896.

Dear Mother:

Last night Mrs. Thomas had a jackstraw party in her
rooms at the Grafton and Miss Riddle, Miss Goddard, Dr.
Wyman, Prof. Procter and I had a very jolly evening. We
did not break up until after 12 and had oysters in a chafing
dish and beer. This morning I had a long interview with
the President on the financial situation, which was very in¬
teresting. He seems remarkably well and belligerent, and
confident that there are a majority of thoughtful people in
the country who will vote for sound money.

Yours affectionately.

Will.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.

30th Oct. 1896.

Dear Mother:

Had another long conversation with the President yes-

386

[1902]

terday. Mr. Carlisle will be here Sunday. I do not think
I will go to New York before Monday afternoon and pos¬
sibly not until after the election. We had some excite¬
ment yesterday but it has quieted down again this morning
and I hope it is laid for some time. The getting house
affairs settled don't bother me because Camfield attends
to all the detail.

I had a beautiful box of double violets from Watertown
and sent half to Mrs. Thomas and half to Miss Henriques
and received corresponding effusions. It is growing cooler
again this morning after three days of summer weather.
Romecke is sending the slips here and there are a great
many. The press agents say that no letter in this canvass
had been so widely printed or commented upon as mine.
I am very much pleased, as it’s reception was so completely
unexpected by me. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

That was the last of my brother’s letters from Wash¬
ington and the next is in 1902 describing his L.L.D. at a
Trinity College Commencement (just fifty years since my
fathers graduation.)

14 West 20th St.,
June 26/02.

My dear Mother:

I have just had my dinner and scratch this to say that
everything went off very well yesterday and that we had
perfect weather. The Beaches all came in from West Hart¬
ford to see me hooded and all the Chapman tribe came for
the same purpose. We had the most successful Commence¬
ment in years. The hall was crowded and there was the
greatest enthusiasm. There were 60 who could not get seats
at the Alumni dinner. I got lots of congratulations and
was very much pleased at what various people said and who
said it. Mrs. Edward Perkins asked for you and so did

387

[1 902]

Mr. Smith and the Beaches, etc. I think I may not get off
to York Harbor tomorrow and may arrange to stay until
Monday. I will wire you as soon as I can see daylight.

I got your letter here and also Bessies’. Love to all.

Yours affection ately,

Will.

CURTIS, MALLET — PREVOST & COLT,

30 Broad St.,

New York.

Sept 15/02.

My dear Mother :

Mayor Low has asked me to take the position of Aque-
uuu Cuiiimissioncr vacated by the death of Judge Power$
last week and I have accepted it. The Merchants Assoc,
were very anxious 1 should. It is a Board Membership of
which the Mayor and Comptroller are also members ex
officio. It requires one meeting a week in the afternoon.
The salary is $5,000. per year indefinitely and does not in¬
terfere with my practice. It is a very complimentary ap¬
pointment and means a lot in politics. I gave up going to
Congress when I found how the matters were here last
Spring and this is all right. There may be a fight to prove
I am not a democrat but I am enrolled as one in my own
district. They can’t very well get around that. I am just
going up to the Mayor’s office. Bessie will now see me in
the papers again and I hope she will be pleased! ! The
carpenters went back. Sarre and Wight just called me on
the telephone so I shall see Savin tomorrow and bargain
for immediate possession. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,

Will.

This was the last political appointment Will ever ac¬
cepted — He was complete^ absorbed in his profession
his interest in the Scovill Manufacturing Company, St.
Georges Church, St. Luke’s Hospital, Trinity College, and

388

■

[I Q02]

for recreation, Golf — When he left the Treasury he
returned to the endless drudgery of a law office in
New York, now Curtis, Mallet, Prevost & Colt. His
inherited conscientiousness made him take life hard
and seriously. Pie felt hurt that nobody knew what he had
done, but at the same time it was a matter of principle, and
also abhorrent to his modest nature, to put himself forward.
One can see from what my grandfather wrote to Papa that
even before 1800, sensitiveness and that sort of shyness, were
Curtis characteristics. To continue hereditary qualities Will
resembled his father* and with Holbrook, Randolph and
Mary had finely cut features and beautiful hands, but all
the family except Sanford were medium height like my
mother and her mother, instead of tall like my father, his
parents and her own father. Holbrook and Randolph
were blond like Papa while all the others were dark. So
much for Mendelism and the white mice!

William died in August 1923, after several years of bad
health. It has been a hideous task trying to sort out the
boxes, drawers, desks, closets and trunks of old papers.
No matter how many letters I read, more remain, and those
from my father are much more interesting than the journal
which he kept as a book of reference for his own private
delectation. Plowever, I found so much that proved quaint¬
ly amusing that instead of making extracts, I included near¬
ly all in this voluminous “ juggernaut.”

*In mind and taste more than any of the others but looked like my mother.

389

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• •

Holbrook, the second boy, was always remarkable for
his force of character, quick wit and talent for music and
painting. When he was twelve years old he spent a winter
in Nassau with Dr. Kirkwood and established his taste for
medicine, attending every autopsy that he could. He also
learned to sail a boat himself and showed the sense of a
grown man. ' They told a story of his going into a lunatic’s
room at the hotel and by tact and strategy getting a pistol
away from him when nobody else had the courage. Be¬
fore he got into the treadmill of New York; where over¬
work, a sensitive temperament and the constant handicap of
a delicate constitution, harrassed and fretted him, he was
the center of merriment in every gathering. At home, at
school, in Cheshire, at Yale College, he amused friends and
family. My mother never tired of recounting his sayings
and escapades. In 1884 he married a beautiful girl, Jose¬
phine Allen, of Brooklyn, and his two sons were given the
family names of William Edmond, and Henry Holbrook.
Only his daughter Marjorie* is living now, and she is
married to Thomas L. Chadbourne and has two little girls.
After graduating from the Medical School, Holbrook
studied in Vienna and Paris and worked at one time with
“ his beloved preceptor, Dr. T. Gaillard Thomas.” Elis
intention of making diseases of women his specialty was
never followed because, for one thing, he became interested
in throats at the time of my brother Sanford’s death; and
later he discovered that by making a patient sing while
looking down his throat, he could see nodules and diseased
conditions of the chords which were easilv remedied. This
brought him such a furor of success added to what he ac¬
complished in nasal and head surgery that his office was
besieged by singers and even the crowned heads of Europe
sent for him at various times. Dr. Lenox Brown president
of the British Laryngological, Rhinological Society said in

*She inherited her grandmother’s voice, but gave up music for sculpture in
which she was doing well at the time of her marriage.

390

* ) • )1 :-j\ i - • ff ;

Dr. Holbrook Curtis

—

;

a speech before that body in 1891 that “ the naissance of
nasal surgery in London followed the performance by Dr.
Curtis of sixteen brilliant operations on the nose, at the
London Central Throat Hospital in 1887.”

The passion for singing which he inherited from his
mother made him take great pleasure in the friendship of
his Operatic patients, but this sort of practice rather ob¬
scured his surgical work.

In a short memoir he writes, “ I look back upon the day
when Mr. Strakosch, the librarian of the Metropolitan
Opera House, brought to my office Jean and Edouard de
Reszke, for it was from that moment my interest in the
singing voice became vital, and the great musical intelli¬
gence of these two men inspired me with a love of the art
which has possessed me ever since. To Jean de Reszke we
owe the great strides made in the time of Abbey, Schoeffel,
and Grau, at the opera, in contradistinction to the stilted
style of the old Academy of Music ten years earlier, when
each aria in turn was sung by the artist, after a walk down
the stage, and delivered as a solo, the opera being temporari¬
ly interrupted, with also a suitable pause for flowers. Jean
de Reszke introduced the coalescence of the song sentiment
and the true dramatic element in opera. He was an ex¬
cellent actor and never for a moment left the picture to
appeal to the audience. He sang in the true French
method, as did Edouard, his brother; Plancon was a true
exponent of this type of singing, dans le masque, so called.
Plancon and Jean both observed the high chest and used
interior costal respiration. I went with the brothers to
their home at Borowna in Poland, spending two weeks on
the de Reszke estate, and had many chances to get ideas of
tone production which became invaluable to me later.
Jean was then learning Tristan and was making a poem out
of German ‘ schrecklichkeit.’ Jean sang with his soul,
and every phrase carried conviction and showed a superior
musical conception. His voice itself was not a perfect one,

39i

for he lacked the tenor timbre so essential to the happiness
of an Italian gallery, but he showed the true poetry of musi¬
cal phrasing and thrilled his audiences in a way that I have
never seen equalled except by Caruso. If any of you hap¬
pened to see the great matinee performance of Tristan und
Isolde by Jean and Lili Lehmann in 1898, you will, I
think, agree with me that the perfection of action and song
was attained. Jean de Reszke was an upholder of perfect
relaxation in singing and always advocated singing ‘ F ’
on the staff with a covered tone and sometimes his ‘ E ’.
He frequently told me that a baritone should never sing an
open 1 D ’. Like many singers he changed his ideas in
teaching, and of late years he has advocated a voluntary
raising of the soft palate in the higher register of the so¬
prano voice, while I have always maintained that the soft
palate has a special adjustment, for every note sung. Its
real function is that of a stop, attuning the cavities of the
mouth and nose by becoming a portiere which, drawn over
the pharynx, apportions the sound waves to those cavities
best calculated to reinforce the fundamental tone and make
rich the voice in overtones.

“ Madame Sembrich is a Pole, and at that time was
having a great success in concerts. I must claim the dis¬
tinction of securing her a second engagement at the Metro¬
politan, for when Grau was short a ‘ Rosina ’ one night,
and asked me if I knew of one, I so cordially recommended
Mme. Sembrich that he said he would engage her, although
he thought my enthusiasm was unwarranted. At the end
of the music teacher’s scene, when she had removed her
gloves and responded to seven encores, playing her own
accompaniments, Grau came to me and said: ‘ She has
made a great success,’ and after the performance he engaged
her for the remainder of the season. Grau had probably
forgotten the success she had made in 1883, when she sang
with Christine Nillson and entranced the public. She
played both the violin and the piano to perfection. On her

392

23niqqfiri aril oJ oe ncfmij ion-)f 3fh bs.>b£[ ot i io\

Holbrook Curtis 3rd

return to New York, after the San Francisco earthquake,
Marcella Sembrich gave a concert which netted over ten
tnousand dollars, which she divided between the orchestra,
to duplicate their lost instruments, and the members of the
chorus. This act, together with her charities and personal
work for suffering humanity secured her the medal of the
National Institute of Social Sciences in 1916.”

“ In 1896, Appleton published the first edition of my
book, 1 Voice Building and Tone Placing ’, which I dedi¬
cated to Jean de Reszke. In the Scientific x\merican of
May 29th, 1897, I made public the fact that, what the con¬
sensus of opinion had decided upon as the best tone, viz:
the tone with the fullest complement of overtones and con¬
sequently most agreeable to the ear, made a perfect geomet¬
ric figure when sung in an instrument which I described
and called the Tonograph. This apparatus was made by
stretching a rubber membrane, the so-called rubber dam
of the dentist, over a metal bowl with a hole in the bottom,
into which tones could be sung through a flexible tube.
The tones produced in the various notes of the scale made
beautiful geometric figures in a mixture of emery and salt
sprinkled on the rubber disc of this simple contrivance.
This article was reproduced all over Europe and called
forth much comment in the scientific papers. It was the
application to the human voice of Chladni’s experiment
with sand on vibrating plates. The same note always made
the same figure, but different voices producing the same
note caused a marked difference in the thickness of certain
lines of the emery mixture in the figure on the diaphragm,
in accordance with the relative strength or weakness of the
overtones of the fundamental note. I have brought some
photographs of these beautiful geometric figures, sung bv
celebrated artists, which show these differences. By a study
of these pictures and analyzing the overtones by Koenig’s
flames, one could make a mathematical equation of the
human voice. The result of several years’ study of the
subject lead me to conclude that the ‘ Ma, Ma,’ arpeggio,

393

.adcuprfma ooibnjn'3 nn8 srtj isjIg ,j!toY -/nVl ol mutni

which is known very generally as the * Curtis Maw, Maw
Exercise,’ was as near as could be described a proper place¬
ment of tone; at any rate, it has been accepted by such au¬
thorities as Jean and Edouard de Reszke, Sembrich, Melba,
Scotti, Calve, Caruso, Witherspoon, Hinkel, Anna Case,
and many others.” *

All of my mother’s children, except William and Mary,
had talent for painting. Some of the things Holbrook did,
never having had a lesson in his life, are truly remarkable,
particularly the marines, for he always loved the sea.

The family seemed to be at their height of success in
1895 and 1896. William had saved the country from bank¬
ruptcy by his clear vision and knowledge of law. Holbrook
with an international reputation, was having extraordinary
Sunday evening musicales when the great, unequalled and
charming Jean de Reske sang for friendship’s sake.

My mother instead of going South for the winter took
a house in Washington to be near my brother Will where
she and my sister enjoyed to the utmost the variegated so¬
ciety which they entertained.

Sanford (who died when only twenty) and Ran¬
dolph, were both humorous, artistic and beloved by every¬
one who knew them. Although “ Ran ” as he was called,
studied law, he hated New York and the routine of an of¬
fice, so that my mother gave him his share of my father’s
property which enabled him to buy a place twelve miles
from Asheville on the French Broad, named “ Zilla Coa.”
At first he tried to raise tobacco, but finding it an uncertain
crop, he turned the land to clover. The stone bungalow
which he built on top of a mountain was reached by a road
that wound up through ploughed fields of red clay soil, in¬
to woods that were filled in spring with lacy dogwood,
flaming azalia, and rhododendron that bloomed as though
in a garden. From this setting the view extended for fifty
miles to Pisgah Mountain; purple and blue, with fleeting
cloud shadows and glimpses of the winding river. Log

•Holbrook died in May, 1920 shortly after he wrote this article.

394

v-fil/ ' 2:)iu0‘ adt 2B yflBTJiiag 7‘io7 nwond 2i fbiriw

-aanlq isqoiq b badhozab ad bluoa «b iuan *s *bw f<38toiax3
-ub doi/2 yd balq jDDB noad 2bH }i taUn ynB it; ;anoJ to inooi

fa2cO BfinA (Io^n:l: tnooq3iarfjiV/ t02ui6" <avU ) tiJloq2

* .eiarito ynfim bnfi

Francis Randolph Curtis

• '

cabins and a patchwork quilt of farming country lay in the
middle distance giving substance and solidity to what
seemed too beautiful for reality. Here my brother led
an ideal existence; riding over the farm, shooting with
friends from the North, and making expeditions to Ashe¬
ville in the dog cart with sagacious “ Old Black Joe ” as
leader. Randolph had red hair, rounded, aquiline fea¬
tures, a well-proportioned figure and a delightful speaking
voice. Nothing of beauty, in art, literature, or music, was
lost to him; and his nature was remarkably sweet, affection¬
ate and at the same time upright, loyal and courageous.
Several years before his death he became involved in a land
improvement venture in Cumberland Gap which proved a
failure and the consequent depression laid him open to pneu¬
monia, of which he suffered two attacks that led to his final
illness.

(Here is his last letter.)

ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS
June 2nd, 1892

My dearest Bess;

I was sorry not to have you up, but I found that Ross
had arranged to go into camp, near here, where it is very
fine fishing. Then to move to St. Regis and on to per¬
manent camp.

As my object here is to get under canvas as soon as pos¬
sible, I gave up the idea of having you with me for the pres¬
ent. It would be impossible for you to camp alone with any
comfort, if you will only think about it. Later I have no
doubt we can arrange for a jolly long visit.

— ' — arrived to-day and we start for Moose Pond in
the morning. From there we will knock around. He is
off fishing now, and we have not really decided on our
plans.

Tell Mamma that I have received all the letters. There
have been shoals of them, and it has been very jolly to be
kept so well posted on family interests. Love to all

Your disappointed

Ran.

395

ar!) ni ysl ^itnuoo gnim-is) )o lliup iiowrittBq 6 bnB gnidso

sniliupr; tb3bnucn ,*ibrf bn barf riqlobnfifl .labssl
^ni; soq2 !u iiigibb & brus tmigft banoinoqmq-Itew & .znul

boJnioqqcaib iuoY

V902\

He was mayor of Harrogate, Term., while he lived
there, although he never gave up “ Zilla Coa.” Feeling
strongly that the feuds among the mountaineers must be put
down at all costs, he incurred the enmity of a gang who
swore they would kill him within a week. One night he
was sitting with a friend, Jim Churchill, in his room when
they heard some one say “ now we’ll get him,’' and the tramp
of men ascending the stairs. Both Ran and Mr. Churchill
had no fire arms (the reason why I forget). The latter was
extremely tall and by a lucky inspiration he lifted the door
off its hinges and like a sledge hammer hit the first man
straight down the stairs. There was a scuffle, help came
from the street and their lives were saved.

My brother always had a little gray donkey named
Sally for me to ride and when a child I planned to
keep house at “ Zilla Coa ” and live in the Carolina
mountains with soft-voiced darkies to cook delectible corn-
bread. Nobody can stay long in the South without loving it,
that is the real South, and not a dreadful vulgar, winter re¬
sort. My mother began going to Charleston before the war
and among my earliest recollections are the flower-bordered
paths of the magnolia gardens, and the darkies sing¬
ing while they rowed or worked along the shore. She
was adored by her five boys in a way I have never seen else¬
where. They had a protective feeling for her and yet obeyed
her, even when grown up. She seemed to understand their
business problems as well as music or painting. Mr. Carlisle
when Secretary of the Treasury, said he would rather ask
her advice than that of any man he knew. My brother Wil-
lianTwhile in Washington talked over everything with her,
but wrote in his letters very little, except what he felt was
discreet to put upon paper — details of life which gave no
clue to his responsibility or anxiety over the Gold Reserve,
which she said, turned him into an old man.

As this is the winding up of “ four generations ” I must
add that to me the most appealing, the most human and

396

I *

Mary Alathea Curtis

••

[*902]

spontaneous of all the letters I have been obliged to look
over, are those to my mother from her little boys at St.
Paul’s Cheshire, Trinity and Yale College, and her own
letters back again. They have not, however, as yet the
antique flavor that would seem to warrant their inclusion
here, neither do they bear upon anything of great impor¬
tance. The qualities of character and mind I value most
come from my mother, but as my name and family pride
come from my father, I feel that to him I owe the gathering
up and tying together of these records which cover one
hundred and thirty years. Here each one speaks again
through what he has written.

397

■■ . _ _

; i r;:’;nc ^ ,«*< <** <* •**».

['7*5]

APPENDIX

(Delivered at the close of the Revolution — taken from
the Newtown paper, Centennial of 1885.)

Judge Edmond' s Fourth of July Oration.

Gentlemen, friends and fellow citizens: On a day dedi¬
cated to solemnize and perpetuate the memory of an event
long wished for, purchased with much blood, with much
treasure, with many a woe, and great and glorious, sur¬
rounded as I am with so numerous and respectable an audi¬
ence, when every eye is fixed upon me, upon a subject of so
much importance, and unaccustomed to this kind of speak¬
ing, I must hope for your favorable consideration. At a
period when the new born Empire of America, to her re¬
cent independence has added the friendship and alliance
of neighboring nations, when the Almighty Governor of
universal Nature has crowned our glorious struggles with
freedom, independence and an honorable peace, let me be¬
speak your patience for a few moments, while I dwell on
the worth of the object for which we have contended, the
means by which, under heaven, it has been secured and the
use and improvement we ought to make of the conquest.

I shall not take up your time with a geographical de¬
scription of America the vast extent of territory, the fertility
of the soil, its many navigable rivers, bays and harbors, the
advantages of her commerce, the benefits of her fisheries,
the rapid increase of population and wealth, which, so
peculiarly situated as this country is, cannot fail to take
place. These are circumstances too notorious to everyone
to need any explanation. Nor shall I enter into the ques¬
tion what occasioned, what was the true cause, or who were
agressors in the late War? But only observe that Heaven
and the sword have decided in favor of America.

The contest was for liberty, and in liberty, properly un¬
derstood, consists the beauty of Government, the happiness
of individuals, and the glory and boast of man. The want of

398

xicikh<ma

noi\tnO \o t knomV>5i »%Wv

[77^J]

adequate or just notions of Liberty has been the occasion of
innumerable difficulties and disorders since the commence¬
ment of the war. For while some supposed that Liberty
consisted in an unlimited, uncontrolled power of conduct
according to the dictates of their capricious fancy without
respect to the right of others, they naturally run into un¬
justifiable extravagances and licentiousness. But such a
liberty ever was & ever will be opposed and detested by
every generous mind. Some kind of law, government or
order is absolutely necessary in every society to guard the
weak and defenceless from the attacks of the strong, the
savage and cruel, and ever will be so while human nature
continues the same. All government is an actual infringe¬
ment on the natural liberty of man; that government, there¬
fore, is the most eligible which provides in the most effect¬
ual manner for the interest and happiness of every indi¬
vidual member of society, at the least expense of natural
liberty. This, then, may be a just definition, — that true
liberty consists in the natural liberty of man so far restrained
and no farther, as is absolutely necessary for the benefit of
society. Every further encroachment, however specious, in
appearance or splendid the garb in which it is imposed, is
the essence of tyranny. This liberty thus qualified and re¬
strained (and not a total exemption from all law, order,
and good government as some have weakly imagined) is the
grand object for which we have been contending. For which
our bravest heroes, brethren, friends, and children, have
drawn their swords, have fought, have bled, have bled,
have died. To secure such a liberty, such a freedom and
such an independence to ourselves, to posterity and to mil¬
lions yet unborn the virtuous sons of America rous’d to
arms. To procure such a glorious freedom (and not to
gratify a little selfish passion) they bid defiance to hunger,
cold, and nakedness, prisons, goals, and torture and every
other woe incident to war.

To enumerate the various coincidences which have con¬
tributed to render their endeavors successful; to mention

399

' :■ | n«,|

] 2 • o 3' I nasd asrf tfisdiJ to anofoon }*oi no 5)Bopobr

1/7*5]

the number of well-fought, blood stained battles where
grisly death stalked hideous; to mention the generous as¬
sistance of our great and good allies, the unparalleled brav¬
ery of our soldiery or even to renumerate the names of those
heroes who have contributed to this great event would far
exceed the bounds I have prescribed to myself. But faith¬
ful history shall record these things and distant nations
render the just tribute of praise.

Permit me however in a cursory glance to remind you
of the Battle of Lexington the 19th of April, 1775, anc^ there
let us trace the first footsteps of a rugged path. From thence
let us pass to Bunker Hill on the 17th of the following June
and see how many fall. From there on in January 1777
let us pass to Princeton, from there to Saratoga September
the 7th, from there let us return to Germantown, on the
4th of October, and here let it ever be remembered that the
brave sons of America, impatient and weary of a defensive
war, made the first regular and offensive attack upon their
cruel invaders.

From there let us haste to Stillwater, Red Bank, Mon¬
mouth, Rhode Island, the cow pens and Guilford court
house. At each of these places let us pause a moment, view
the carnage, behold the struggles and be astonished at the
bravery of our troops! All these are scenes of blood. Alas,
the fate of war! Death takes his thousands and ten thou¬
sand mothers weep. Father of all, is this the lot of man to
be his brother's butcher? But I haste from so disagreeable
a subject. The calamities of war, however, when properly
considered may serve to enhance the value of Peace and
incline our hearts on this joyful occasion to gratitude to that
supreme being who is justly styled the God of Peace.

. The capture of General Burgoyne and his army on the
17th of Oct. 1 777 followed soon after by that of Lord Corn¬
wallis are events that will be read with astonishment by
future ages in the chronicles of the American War, and it
will justly be considered as a signal instance of the inter-

400

bonifile boold ^r’^uol-lbv/ \o t^dmun arto

bnB g^nidj ottdi bioom Hsci* yioJaui lol

1/7*5]

position of Divine Providence in inspiring the hearts of a
rude and undisciplined army with a courage and magnani¬
mity unexampled in the records of time.

We have a further manifestation of Divine aid, in that
the Regent of Heaven has been pleased to raise up an unex¬
ceptionable leader, adorned with every virtue and every ac¬
complishment necessary for a man who was to undertake and
complete the most virtuous task ever allotted a human being,
to take a rude and undisciplined army unskilled in the art
of war, unarmed, unclothed, unfed, unpaid, and scanty in
numbers, and with that army encounter and conquer an
army of veteran troops, superior in numbers, possessed of
every advantage, and lead his little army through every
toil, every difficulty and every danger to the summit of
glory and victory and therewith establish a New Empire
and then again unelated with prosperity, to retire to the
calm and contemplative scenes of private life is what none
but a Washington did ever perform. In this he stands
alone unrivalled and unparalleled.

And here while I am enumerating some few of the signal
Providences of the Almighty, I might take notice of the
detection of a conspiracy plotted by the most accomplished
of villains, but I forbear to mention a name which must
carry with it the idea of horror so long as there are men to
distinguish beauty from deformity and to discern the dif¬
ference between virtue and vice. But I leave the hated,
hated picture, and the detested man, to the friends of the
daring but unfortunate Major Andre to deprecate his
proper vengeance, only adding a sentence from the first
writer in the world as applied to him in a late publication
in the Connecticut Courant: “ Do not repent thee of these
things, for they are heavier than all thy woe can stir; there¬
fore betake thee to nothing but despair. A thousand knees,
ten thousand years together naked, fasting, on a. barren
mountain and still Winter in storm perpetual could not
move the Gods to look that way thou wert.”

401

* n i qi 01 zro q rutxJ nsvssH io imgsK adt

‘: nni/^vs \ir/r jamob ^bsal slrff nohq'j)

[/7<?5]

Our other officers of far, far different character and
those brave soldiers who have so nobly exerted themselves
to bring about this great, this glorious and important event,
highly merit our warmest approbation and applause, to
deny it would be ingratitude. Nor ought we ever to forget
the hardy race of heroe’s who in Winter’s freezing, shiv¬
ering blasts, in their tents, with woe-worn countenances have
laid their wearied limbs with not a feather or covers did
I say, not even a straw to ease their bruised limbs, upon the
frost, and all this to purchase the liberty, the freedom, the
Peace, the glorious Peace we this day enjoy, Nay, many,
very many have sacrificed their lives to obtain the invalu¬
able purchase. To the memory of these, my friends, ’tis
generous to drop a voluntary tear. Great was their love,
their sufferings great! but I refrain. I pass them by. I
would not cause their wounds to bleed afresh. The dole¬
ful tale must wound the ear of many a parent, must pierce
the heart of many a matron, of many a tender virgin un¬
sluice the eye of woe and make humanity recoil.

But dry your sorrows up my friends and let us see what
peace accords. Peace abroad leaves room for happiness at
home. But how is peace to be restored? The answer’s
easy. Throw off all party spirit, forget old quarrels, bury
little resentments, act like men, like rational creatures, like
candidates for an hereafter. But, say some, we cannot for¬
get, we can’t, we won’t forgive; for why? Because they
have been our inveterate enemies, have rejoiced at our mis¬
fortunes and have sought our lives. What then? the great¬
er the injury has been, the greater is the glory to forgive.
If a man has strength and courage superior to his enemy
he can conquer him; a brute can do the same with the same
advantages. ’Tis a disposition to forgive (not revenge)
an injury that shows a greatness of mind and distinguishes
a man from a brute, and every man is truly great in pro¬
portion as he finds himself able and willing to subdue his
passions, to curb his resentments and govern himself by

402

■

[ %\\] JILML[L

**>* giSDrno 13/ljo luCJ

Jag .oi f t iww iriguo ioH abwitmaai ad blutm ji *r,ab

I>7<?5]

the Laws of Reason. Let us then, my friends, seriously
consider these things. Let us learn to subdue our passions,
to govern our resentments, to bear provocation like Christ¬
ians, like reasonable and accountable creatures, and let us
take pattern by our great Example who, “ When he was
reviled, reviled not again/’ and when tortured by his ene¬
mies said “ Father forgive them, for they know not what
they do.” Such a temper and such a disposition would pro¬
mote harmony and peace among the inhabitants of this
town, would add strength to the Legislature, restore a
proper tone to government, establish regularity and order,
do honor to religion, make us happier in this world and be
no bar in our progress to another.

Animated with such noble views inspired with such
laudable motives, what might we not hope, what might we
not expect, what even might we not shun and what blessings
might we not hope to obtain.

Let each of us then endeavor as soon as possible to sur¬
render up our contracted views and notions and learn to
form our ideas on a more liberal and extended scale. Let
us not consider ourselves merely as members of a farm, a
town or a city, but as members of a rising Empire, as citi¬
zens of the world and as members of the family of Him of
whom all the families of the earth are called. Finally,
gentlemen, friends, and fellow citizens, let us ever keep
in mind that great and glorious benediction, pronounced in
the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, “ Blessed are the Peace¬
makers, for they shall be called the children of God,” and
let us not only on this day of public joy and rejoicing but
through all the remaining days and years of our lives en¬
deavor so to conduct ourselves that when the closing scenes
of all sublunary enjoyments are at an end, when joy and
festivity in this world are no more and Death, the King of
Terrors, stares us in the face, we may be able, like valiant
and victorious soldiers to joy in the Lord and rejoice in the
God of our salvation.

403

tkuoir* ^bnaiil yen ,nodj zu j->J .noaBsfl io oil l

(Extract of letter about the Edmond family from one
of the descendants to my father.)

(Mr. Tweedy says there is not a particle of Irish Blood
in the Edmonds. Robert Edmond's father and mother
moved from Scotland into Ireland, where Robert was born.
He hated the Irish, said they were, where he lived among
them, like pigs, of the lowest grade. Mr. Tweedy said he
had heard G. G. Robert Edmond relate this anecdote of
himself: He was in Litchfield and a man called him an
Irishman. He denied it and offered and did bet all the
wine the company could drink that he was not, the bet was
accepted. The man said he was born and lived in Ireland,
consequently an Irishman. He admitted this but said his
parents were Scots and moved there, and used this illus¬
tration: “ Suppose some sheep (Scots) were to be removed
to another country and put in a pen with pigs (Irish) and
a lamb should be born there to them, would that lamb be a
pig?” The company decided that he was not an Irishman.
I am sorry to destroy your prejudice in favor of the Irish
to whom I have no partiality. I think the Scots superior to
the Irish, although Dr. Johnson did not like them and they
are said to be subject to a cutaneous disease that requires a
good deal of scratching.)

OFFICE OF ASSISTANT TREASURER U. S.

NEW YORK CITY, Jan. 28th, 1895
My dear Mr. Curtis:

I send you three bills, which if read aright, will tell
the course of our market. The importers are selling all
bills payable in gold — thus all loss resulting from the ces¬
sation of gold payments will fall upon our people. The
feeling here is that the President will not get the desired
relief, and that if he adheres to his idea as to the non-issue of
existing (5s) bonds the end is at hand. Today began a run

404

mi -1 M )[ J: i /J )

.absiT! l23WoI aril \o adil tmariJ

U<?05]

in small amounts — $72,728 in small lots — $5,000 or under,
gold bonds 62,539 in addition; the banks are beginning a
general run — I mean those who have heretofore abstained

— we must have more gold from nearby points. San Fran¬
cisco is too risky. Our coin gold is reduced to $13,639,000

— which we shall lose this week. One caution I desire to
give as to a new loan. No interval must elapse before bids.
If our gold is taken beforehand, & that it is certain to be —
if the loan is offered for gold, we shall be bankrupt before
we get any returns from the loan, & as before, we wont get
it back if the offers are rejected. Another caution, if we are
to wait (before another loan is put out) for legislation & it
is held up for any cause — we are gone “ hook, bob & sink¬
er.” The withdrawals, now the “ run ” is on, will be
“ short, sharp & decisive.” I enclose list for today to point
out its character and to say that on searching the bank re¬
turns today I find that the banks are losing gold in small
amounts as well. “ Forewarned is forearmed.” From
your “ Cassandra.” (I add *) I would stop the gold bar
privilege at 4 cents per hundred <5c charge an Fs — that is
a game that has developed within the last week. Women,
as well as men, are now on the “ gold path.” Try the tem¬
porary certificate — if you are going before Congress that
they can be told leaves the matter in their control. This
thing may degenerate or rise into a panic as you prefer.

Yrs.C.N.J.

*$21,000 (odd.) of so-called jewelers have come in at
five minutes of three — after this letter had closed — How
tired you must be of

C.N.J.

405

;

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Full text of "Letters and journals: Judge William Edmond, 1755-1838, Judge Holbrook Curtis, 1787-1858, Judge William Edmond Curtis, 1823-1880, William Edmond Curtis, 1855-1923, and Dr. Holbrook Curtis, 1856-1920."

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